Melbourne Storm presented a touching tribute to Bella Tripp, daughter of club chairman Matt Tripp, ahead of their clash with Wests Tigers, four years on from her tragic death.
Bella passed away at the age of 14 in April 2022 from a respiratiory complication resulting from a bone marrow transplant after a lengthy battle with leukaemia.
Since her death, the Bella Tripp Foundation has been established which raises money for the awareness, research and understanding of early diagnosis and better treatment for bone marrow transplant complications.
In addition, one NRL game has been dedicated to her each year since 2024.
On Mother’s Day Sunday, Tripp was remembered with a heartwarming message written on a banner as the two teams emerged from the tunnel.
It read: “Happy Mother’s Day. Bella Tripp. Forever in our hearts.”
Earlier this week, Storm star Cameron Munster posed while holding Bella’s ‘Mr Piggy’ plush toy alongside foundation ambassadors Brendan and Alex Fevola.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski said: “Since our first Bella Tripp Foundation fixture in 2024, this game day has become one of the most special and important occasions on our calendar, and one that holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Storm.
“It is an opportunity for our Club and community to come together, remember Bella, and support the important work the Foundation continues to do for families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
“To have the game coincide with Mother’s Day weekend makes the occasion even more meaningful, as we look forward to an exciting Sunday afternoon of rugby league at AAMI Park, kicking-off at the family-friendly time of 2pm.”
The Storm honoured the special occasion with a sensational performance as they blitzed the Tigers to claim a 44-16 victory and end a seven-game losing streak.
The result moves the Storm’s record onto 3-7 for 2026, while the Tigers missed the chance to move level on points with the fourth-placed Rabbitohs.
Storm’s superb display came just 24 hours after coach Craig Bellamy spoke for the first time since his diagnosis with a form of neurodegenerative disorder.
He said: “That’s the one thing that I can’t believe, how many messages I’ve got.
“I’d probably say that I really apologise, I haven’t got back to any, I don’t think, I’ve been pretty busy with the footy.
“But everyone that has sent me a message, I don’t know how many there’s, but I really appreciate it and hopefully I’ll get back to you soon.
“The support’s been unbelievable in that area.”
