MELBOURNE, VIC — Netflix is stepping into the world of rugby league like never before, unveiling its newest original sports documentary, Eye of the Storm, which chronicles the rise, fall, and rebirth of the Melbourne Storm—one of the most dominant and controversial clubs in NRL history.
The series, which premieres globally next month, offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to a team that has captivated, divided, and inspired fans for over two decades. With a mixture of never-before-seen footage, intimate interviews, and cinematic storytelling, Eye of the Storm promises to be the definitive chronicle of the Melbourne Storm’s legacy.
The Untold Story
Spanning six hour-long episodes, the series begins in 1998, when the Storm were introduced as an expansion team in the heart of AFL country. Early episodes focus on the skeptics who said rugby league couldn’t survive in Melbourne—and the tight-knit group of players, coaches, and executives who proved them wrong.
Viewers are taken back to the Storm’s stunning 1999 premiership win in only their second season, a moment described by former captain Glenn Lazarus as “something out of a fairy tale.”
But Eye of the Storm doesn’t shy away from controversy. One of its central arcs covers the club’s darkest hour: the 2010 salary cap scandal. Netflix delves into the secret payments, shredded documents, and dramatic NRL sanctions that saw the Storm stripped of two premierships and fined millions. In a candid interview, then-CEO Brian Waldron admits, “We were winning—but at what cost?”
The fallout is explored through the eyes of players like Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, who reveal the emotional toll of having their accomplishments erased. “It felt like we were criminals,” says Smith in a tearful confession. “But all we did was play our hearts out.”
From Ruin to Redemption
What sets Eye of the Storm apart is its focus on resilience. The documentary paints a vivid portrait of how the Storm rebuilt their culture, embraced humility, and clawed their way back to dominance. With Craig Bellamy’s fiery leadership and a new generation of stars like Cooper Cronk and Jesse Bromwich, the Storm returned to the top, winning the 2012, 2017, and 2020 premierships.
Bellamy, known for his intense presence on the sidelines, is a central figure throughout the documentary. Viewers will see a different side of the coach—his vulnerability, his deep loyalty to his players, and the pressure of keeping the Storm competitive year after year.
The documentary also explores the cultural transformation of the club. Pacific Islander voices are featured prominently, with players like Suliasi Vunivalu and Justin Olam discussing the importance of family, faith, and identity. “We play for something bigger than ourselves,” says Olam in the series’ emotional fourth episode, “Home and Away.”
Inside the Machine
With cameras embedded in locker rooms, team meetings, and even players’ homes, Eye of the Storm gives fans an unfiltered look at the daily grind of elite rugby league. One gripping sequence follows the Storm through the 2020 COVID-19 season, when the team was relocated to the Sunshine Coast for months. The emotional strain of isolation, injuries, and uncertainty is laid bare, offering a raw perspective on professional sports during a global crisis.
“Netflix gave us creative freedom to tell the real story—not just the highlight reel,” said executive producer Tameka Jameson. “This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about loyalty, scandal, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”
The series also includes dramatic reenactments of pivotal moments, using stylized cinematography to bring past games and off-field incidents to life. Interviews with journalists, rivals, and league officials provide broader context, including commentary from NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and former Bulldogs enforcer Willie Mason.
Star-Studded Production
Eye of the Storm is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ben Cotter, known for his work on All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks. The series features an original score by Australian composer Lisa Gerrard, and narration by actor Hugo Weaving adds gravitas to the sweeping tale.
Storm legends and modern stars all contribute their voices, including Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen, and Brandon Smith. Even former adversaries, like Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson, offer grudging respect: “You hate playing them. But you can’t help but admire them.”
A Legacy Sealed
In its final episode, the documentary looks to the future of the Storm and the ever-evolving landscape of the NRL. With stars retiring and new talent emerging, the series leaves viewers with a sense of awe at what the club has already achieved—and excitement about what lies ahead.
“This team changed the game,” says former player turned broadcaster Cooper Cronk. “And now the world’s going to know how.”
Eye of the Storm premieres exclusively on Netflix on [fictional release date], with all six episodes available for streaming. Rugby league fans and newcomers alike are in for a gripping ride through triumph, turmoil, and the unshakable spirit of one of sports’ most extraordinary franchises.
