Stars back for Storm as Bellamy sweats on Papenhuyzen

Jacob Shteyman |

Ryan Papenhuyzen is a major injury concern for minor premiers Melbourne ahead of the finals.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is a major injury concern for minor premiers Melbourne ahead of the finals.

Melbourne’s star-studded spine will return to action as coach Craig Bellamy looks to gather momentum for the finals. 

A depleted Storm outfit fell 38-30 to North Queensland on Thursday after resting 11 players with the minor premiership already wrapped up.

Bellamy has reinstated Dally M medal favourite Jahrome Hughes at five-eighth, along with Harry Grant, Will Warbrick, Nick Meaney, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Eli Katoa and Trent Loiero ahead of their final-round clash with Brisbane.

But fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is a concern heading into the finals after he suffered bone bruising in his leg against the Cowboys.

Sua Faalogo will fill the No.1 jersey in the 26-year-old’s absence.

The Dolphins have named Felise Kaufusi to play in their do-or-die clash with Newcastle, but will have to wait until Tuesday night to learn if he will actually be available.

The imposing second-rower was slapped with a two-game ban for a high tackle on Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds but could be set for an even longer stint on the sidelines if unsuccessful at the judiciary.

Skipper Jesse Bromwich and veteran playmaker Kodi Nikorima return to Wayne Bennett’s side from concussion for the clash, with the winner guaranteed progression to the finals.

Knights co-captain Tyson Frizell is also back from a concussion and Tyson Gamble will make his return to the bench after a hand injury.

Matt Burton is out of Canterbury’s clash with the Cowboys after suffering a concussion in his side’s 32-22 loss to Manly, so Drew Hutchison steps into the No.6 jersey.

Influential skipper Stephen Crichton returns for the Bulldogs after serving a one-game suspension, with the winner of Saturday evening’s game guaranteed a home final the following week.

The Cowboys have made just one change, with Thomas Mikaele back on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury and Jaxon Purdue making way.

Manly are optimistic star fullback Tom Trbojevic will be able to play through a shoulder injury in the finals. In the meantime Tolu Koula will take the reins at the back against Cronulla.

Clayton Faulalo will slot onto the wing in place of Jason Saab who is out with an ankle injury.

Centre Jesse Ramien returns from suspension for Cronulla while winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is back from a knee injury. Dan Atkinson is relegated to the bench. 

The Sydney Roosters are counting the cost of a brutal loss to Canberra, with Sam Walker and Brandon Smith both ruled out with season-ending injuries.

smith
Sandon Smith (r) will replace the injured Sam Walker in their clash with rivals South Sydney. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Sandon Smith takes over at halfback in place of Walker, while Connor Watson moves to hooker in their grudge match against South Sydney.

Second-rower Victor Radley is also a chance of not featuring again this year after sustaining a fractured scapula, while Nat Butcher sits out due to concussion protocols.

Naufahu Whyte and Sitili Tupouniua start in the forward pack in their absence, while Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i returns to the centres from a neck injury.

The Rabbitohs will be without five-eighth Jack Wighton, who suffered a low-grade calf strain against Penrith. He will be replaced by Dean Hawkins in the halves.

Canberra will be without suspended captain Elliott Whitehead and injured fullback Jordan Rapana, meaning the duo have almost certainly played their final games in the NRL. Both are bound for the Super League at season’s end.

Jamal Fogarty and Ethan Strange return to the halves for the Raiders in their clash against St George Illawarra, which will be a dead rubber unless the Dolphins and Knights draw.

Jacob Liddle is back for the Dragons after missing round 26 because his wife went into labour on the morning of the game.

AAP