'All the big guns will be here': Melbourne Storm chief hints at big Ballarat clash

Ballarat can expect some of rugby league's best to be in action when the Melbourne Storm hosts the Newcastle Knights at Mars Stadium next year.

The pre-season match will be the four-time premiers' last chance to find their rhythm before the 2022 NRL season kicks off.

As such, Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski urged Ballarat fans to be ready for a fierce contest.

"It's our last hitout before the season starts so all the big guns will be here - Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes, Cameron Munster.

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"I think the fans are going to see a really strong Melbourne Storm outfit.

"Both teams will be wanting to step up their preparations. Anyone that comes to the game can expect a good, proper hitout."

From names alone, Ballarat supporters are in for a spectacle.

In Papenhuyzen and Munster, the Storm possesses two of the country's best players.

Jahrome Hughes was recently named New Zealand player of the year, while Cooper Johns - son of Newcastle Knight-turned-media personality Matty Johns - and Harry Grant are touted as two stars on the rise.

The Knights, who had three players named in the 2021 team of the year, are also expected to arrive with a near full-strength side.

Leading the charge will be superstar Kalyn Ponga, who's reportedly been offered the richest deal in NRL history to join expansion club, the Dolphins, in 2023.

All are expected to play significant minutes in preparation for the season-opener two weeks later.

Rodski was confident a good crowd would be in attendance to watch the stars.

"We've got a couple thousand members and fans (in Ballarat) that are connected with the club," he said.

"We know that this region is extremely popular when it comes to sport of all kinds.

"We're really confident that we'll get a good crowd here to watch the game - both Melbourne Storm members and fans, and general fans of rugby league and all sports."

The Mars Stadium match will only be the Storm's sixth in Victoria since the start of the 2020 season, owing to COVID-19 restrictions.

"The opportunity to host both our trial games in Victoria is really important to us," Rodski said.

"I know the local community is going to get right behind us."

The Storm takes on the Knights on February 27 with kick-off at 5:30 pm.

More information, including ticket details, will be made available closer to the date.

The Storm kicks off its 2022 season away to the Western Tigers on March 12.