Melbourne Storm have responded to suggestions the club are moving to abandon Welcome to Country ceremonies while other NRL club bosses have reportedly applauded their decision as a turn away from 'woke' agenda.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, the Storm said the ceremonies will continue to take place on 'culturally significant' occasions.

Earlier in the day, News Corp first reported the Storm would drop their regular holding of the ceremonies.

The club had reportedly confirmed to the Herald Sun "we're really keen to let our actions (rather than words) reflect what we stand for as a club in the community".

In a statement later in the day, the Storm attempted a clarification saying "Melbourne Storm is not 'ditching' its Welcome to Country or Acknowledgments as suggested by recent media".

"We will continue these acknowledgments at culturally significant celebrations," the club said.

"The strength and success of our Club is built on many cultures and communities, and our engagement with them has helped us to reflect the differing views on how we best support and represent each group."

The Storm added they would continue to consult with communities "to find the most appropriate and respectful way to acknowledge and celebrate culture, including how we best acknowledge First Nations people", and maintain their support for First Nations community groups.

Regularity of Welcome to Country ceremonies held by the club were reportedly already slowed during the 2024 season.

Later on Sunday CODE Sport reported multiple rival league chief executives who backed the Storm's shift away from "woke" behaviours common amongst AFL clubs.

"Good on Melbourne Storm," the chief executive of one Sydney-based NRL club reportedly said anonymously, adding "The Storm are located in the heartland of the AFL, who are so woke" and "Melbourne probably felt they had to do every game when they didn't".

Another reportedly said "The AFL is very woke and every sporting organisation based in Melbourne probably wants to keep up with the AFL".

Pre-recorded acknowledgements are often played ahead of regular home-and-away AFL matches across the country, with live in-person, pre-match Welcome to Country ceremonies take place ahead of marquee matches, similar to the NRL.

CODE Sports also reported the future of Welcome to Country ceremonies at their games will be considered in a cultural planning review for next year at the Storm.