The Melbourne Storm have confirmed that Ryan Papenhuyzen will miss this week’s game against the Sharks, while another two players are doubtful.
The team could be missing star youngster Sua Fa’alogo and New Zealand international halfback Jahrome Hughes.
Hughes told AAP that he felt his calf “pop” last weekend against the Gold Coast Titans and is unclear if he will play in the halves this Sunday.
At this point, it is clear that he has suffered a calf injury, but the seriousness remains unknown. The Storm has yet to provide an update.
“In the first 10 minutes, I felt (my calf),” Hughes told the publication.
“I’m not sure exactly what it is, but it’s in my calf.” I felt a pop. I don’t think I’ll be able to play next week, but I’ll get scans and hope everything is okay.
“I want to play but it is still pretty sore at the moment.”
Tyran Wishart is the frontrunner to shift into the halves if Hughes is sidelined, allowing Bronson Garlick to join the team from the interchange bench.
Hughes’ injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time for the Storm, who lost primary backup halfback Jonah Pezet to a season-ending ACL injury last week.
NRL Pre-Season – Storm vs Roosters GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: Storm’s Sualauvi Faalogo runs with the ball during the NRL Trial match between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Australia, on February 12, 2023.
Sua Fa’alogo, a Samoan international and boom rookie, is also doubtful for Saturday’s match after suffering a knee injury, and the team will watch him over the following several days.
However, it is not all bad news for the Storm, as The Daily Telegraph reports that Xavier Coates (hamstring) will return to the wing this week.
“He had a head knock in the first half and then came off with a knee knock,” Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi told The Daily Telegraph.
“At this point, the medical staff is not very concerned, but they will keep an eye on him for the next 24 to 48 hours.
“At this stage he’ll probably be in some doubt but we won’t know until Tuesday.”
Fa’alogo was considered the top frontrunner to take over Ryan Papenhuyzen’s duties at fullback this week, but with both of them out, Nick Meaney is the logical pick.
Meaney’s likely transfer to fullback would leave a slot open in the centers. Craig Bellamy might choose among Dean Ieremia, Marion Seve, or Young Tonumaipea.
The Melbourne Storm will take on the Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on Saturday night at 19:35 AEST.
