Munster injury impacts Storm’s finals push; team updates for Round 20
Munster Sidelined for Storm
The Melbourne Storm face a significant challenge to their finals aspirations with playmaker Cameron Munster ruled out for an extended period. Munster underwent surgery for a cartilage injury in his knee and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. This development could see him miss the remainder of the regular season, impacting the Storm’s push for a top-eight finish.
Currently, the Storm are two wins outside the top eight. They are also noted to have a difficult schedule for the rest of the season. Tyran Wishart is set to continue in Munster’s role, having filled in during the previous week’s match against the Titans. Wishart is expected to revert to the bench for the upcoming game against the Sydney Roosters, with another player potentially starting in the lineup.
In other team news for the Storm, Oryn Keeley, who performed well in his club debut, is a possibility to move into the starting lineup. Moses Leo is also due to return after missing a match due to concussion protocols.
Broncos and Panthers Team Updates
For the Brisbane Broncos, attention is on their halves ahead of their match against the Penrith Panthers. Both Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam are reportedly on track to return. Reynolds is expected to replace Ben Hunt if fit. There is discussion regarding Mam’s role, with some suggesting he should be in the starting lineup as the long-term five-eighth for the club, rather than on the bench or replacing Tom Duffy. Billy Walters is also poised to make his return to the NRL, playing his first game since suffering a torn ACL in a qualifying final against Canberra. Walters has been playing limited minutes in the Queensland Cup to regain match fitness.
The Penrith Panthers could see the return of Mitch Kenny (leg) and Casey McLean (quad). McLean is considered more likely to play. Kenny has expressed his desire to return but acknowledges the need to be fully prepared. If they return, Jack Cole would move to the reserves, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin already back. Jack Cogger and Billy Phillips are expected to move to the bench, while Lindsay Smith is anticipated to return to a starting front-row position.
Knights and Sharks Preparations
The Cronulla Sharks are preparing for their game against the Newcastle Knights. Addin Fonua-Blake is set to return to the starting side, replacing Oregon Kaufusi. The team largely plans to maintain the successful lineup from their previous victory against the Dolphins. However, there is a possibility that lock forward Jesse Colquhoun could return from knee inflammation, an injury described as not significant and not expected to keep him out for an extended period.
The Knights are expecting Bradman Best to return after being rested, which would see Fletcher Sharpe move back to the halves and Sandon Smith to the bench. The availability of Jermaine McEwen is uncertain due to hamstring tightness, which led to Thomas Cant being promoted to the starting side previously. Coach Adam O’Brien is hopeful McEwen will be back. Additionally, Greg Marzhew is expected to be fit to play against the Sharks despite a hip cork.
Other Fixtures and Team News
The Roosters will welcome back Reece Robson and Sam Walker, two of their Origin stars, for their match against the Storm. However, James Tedesco will remain sidelined due to a concussion sustained in Origin III, meaning Cody Ramsey is likely to continue at fullback for another week.
In the match between the Canberra Raiders and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Seb Kris was a late withdrawal from the previous week’s game due to a hamstring injury sustained in training. The severity of Kris’s injury is not yet clear, but if he returns, it would be a direct swap with Jed Stuart. Both Ethan Strange and Hudson Young are expected to return to the starting lineup for the Raiders, replacing Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota. For the Rabbitohs, Dayne Jennings is noted as a breakout winger.
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Source: foxsports.com.au
