Waldron quits Storm, joins Rebels

Melbourne Storm NRL chief executive Brian Waldron has defected to the new Super 15 rugby union franchise Melbourne Rebels.

The Rebels, who are set to join an expanded competition in 2011, lured Waldron across after five years in his position with the NRL champions.

The Storm staff, coaches and players were told of his departure today.

Waldron's position at the Storm is to be filled by the club's former chief operating officer Matt Hanson.

Waldron was formally in charge of the St Kilda AFL club, a club Hanson has also served at in a chief financial officer capacity.