Cameron Munster in huge Melbourne Storm development amid Craig Bellamy's NRL injury crisis
The Melbourne Storm are facing a number of untimely injuries to key players.
The Melbourne Storm are set to welcome back Cameron Munster in the coming weeks as he appears to be nearing a return ahead of the NRL finals. Craig Bellamy's team has been hit with a number of injuries in recent weeks with Nick Meaney, Harry Grant, Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen all joining star five-eighth Munster on the sidelines.
While the injuries are mounting, the Storm have climbed the ladder and sit at the top. Jarhome Hughes has been the form halfback of the competition having led the side around the park in the absence of Munster in the halves.
And Storm fans have some good news - amid all their injuries - with Munster aiming for a round 22 return against the Dragons. Munster would be a huge boost for the Storm with the Maroons and Kangaroos star's season interrupted with a groin injury in 2024.
The 29-year-old has played seven times for the Storm this year with the team winning six of them. He has eight try assists and six line breaks across seven games. Unfortunately for the Maroons, Munster will have missed the State of Origin series by the time he returns to club footy. The Maroons face a decider at home against the Blues after a demoralising 38-18 defeat in Game 2.
The news of Munster's return will lift the club with Papenhuyzen also named to take the field this week. Papenhuyzen returned to the field in round 16 after seven weeks following another injury to right leg. The Storm No.1 returned with a try, but then sat our round 17 due to a heel injury.
Fans were left worried the 26-year-old could miss another few games for the Storm with their backline facing plenty of injuries. Papenhuyzen's injury does not appear serious with the fullback set to return against the Tigers on Saturday. The Storm are fortunate to have the bye in round 19 with Meaney set to return after the break.
For the Storm:
- Cameron Munster progressing with his adductor rehab, with the current plan for him to join team training after the bye & hopefully return in Round 21-22
- Nick Meaney’s minor calf strain just not quite right this week - expected back after the Round 19 bye pic.twitter.com/K00m9vRPGC— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 2, 2024
Craig Bellamy rests Harry Grant ahead of Origin 2
Meanwhile, Grant will miss another week of NRL action having taken an extended rest after a bruising Origin encounter. Grant picked up a nasty head knock in Origin and was rested for the game against the Raiders, which Melbourne won at AAMI Park.
Bellamy has opted to give Grant another week off against the Tigers this weekend due to his bruise sustained over the last few weeks. The Storm face the Tigers this week, before a bye round coming up. Then the Storm face a potential title contender showdown with the Roosters in round 20. Bellamy will have a huge decision on whether to rest his stars after Origin Game 3.
Harry Grant won’t play this week with the Storm indicating it is mostly a resting for some “bumps & bruises.”
Grant did pick up a nasty facial cut in Origin 2, but these usually heal up well & allow a quick return to play. pic.twitter.com/ThBPJliVAW— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 2, 2024
Xavier Coates injury rocks the Storm
Coates was one of the few Origin players who backed up last weekend for their club, but endured a brutal night having injured his hamstring. The winger has been ruled out for a number of weeks and will not take part in Origin Game 3 for the Maroons.
Coates could be looking at six to eight weeks on the sideline, which would see him return towards the very end of the season. Kane Bradley is set to play on the wing in his absence.
