Shut the door. Turn out the lights. Never return. It's time to leave Melbourne Storm. You're not welcome any more. Not ever again.

This club has disgraced its code and left a permanent stain on Australian sport. The vacant 2007 and 2009 NRL premierships will stand forever as the ultimate condemnation reports Gerard Whateley for ABC News.

This is Ben Johnson in Seoul. Taking everyone in, only to be revealed as a cheat. Some deeds cannot be undone.

My heart bleeds for those who believe in rugby league. I have no entitlement to the grief they feel.

But for the sporting public of Melbourne it's personal. For these are people who have been taken advantage of in the most cynical manner.

Because the fraud is one thing. The betrayal quite another.

The Storm wooed a city with fine players who were granted a place in many hearts despite playing a code diametrically opposed to our sensibility.

Israel Folau was marvelled for his audacious athleticism. Cameron Smith hailed for his uncompromising leadership. Billy Slater dazzled with a sleight of hand to make Fagan jealous. Greg Inglis exhibited that rare balance of brute force and a surgeon's touch. And Craig Bellamy came to be revered as a coach of the finest cunning and guile.

Their place was at the fringe of the mainstream and we shouldn't pretend otherwise. But the goodwill was real. The Storm carried the Melbourne name and that entitled them to support and in turn brought pride.

Their ability to upset those in Sydney was among their most endearing qualities. Something we could all understand.

It was a lie. A cruel deception.

It's a breach that can never be repaired.

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