Melbourne Storm in 'talks' with Indigenous groups around how best to acknowledge First Nations people

The Melbourne Storm has set the record straight following reports that it will 'scrap' regular Welcome to Country ceremonies.

The club has confirmed it will review the ritual, stating that discussions with Indigenous groups are being held around changes to the way Indigenous culture is acknowledged at home games.

On Sunday night, the Storm released a statement in response to reports the club would no longer hold regular Welcome to Country ceremonies.

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In the statement, the club declared it would not be "ditching" its Welcome to Country or Acknowledgments and would "continue these acknowledgments at culturally significant celebrations".

"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," it read.

"We will continue to talk to these communities and seek their input to find the most appropriate and respectful way to acknowledge and celebrate culture, including how we best acknowledge First Nations people.

"The club will continue to support First Nations community groups and organisations, as it has done for many years, delivering programs and initiatives that promote positive health, welfare and education outcomes."

In its discussions, the club is reportedly considering more recognition for the different international cultures and the backgrounds of its players, including Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and Maori heritage.

This season, the Storm participated in Welcome to Country ceremonies before their annual Anzac Day and Indigenous Round matches.

Welcome to Country ceremonies are led by Indigenous people while an Acknowledgment of Country can be conducted by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

During the NRL season, Welcome to Country ceremonies are only held ahead of marquee games and before each match during Indigenous Round.

In the wake of the Voice referendum, cultural debate in Australia has been waged over whether the current implementation of Welcome to Country ceremonies shows legitimate support for First Nations people.

Last year, the Storm faced backlash after it was revealed that one of its owners, Brett Ralph, had made a significant donation to the group behind the No campaign for the Voice referendum.

The club publicly announced its support for the Voice during the referendum campaign with the NRL also backing the Yes vote.

Melbourne has long-standing partnerships with local Indigenous organisations such as Aboriginal family violence service Dardi Munwurro and conducts a school-to-work program that aids First Nations students as they transition from education to employment.