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.
