The Melbourne Storm face a significant challenge to their finals aspirations following an injury to key player Cameron Munster. Munster has been ruled out for an estimated four to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery for a cartilage injury. This setback comes as the Storm are positioned two wins outside the top eight, with what has been described as the most difficult remaining schedule in the NRL.
Tyran Wishart is expected to continue filling Munster’s role, a position he also occupied during the Storm’s recent victory against the Titans. The team will need to navigate this period without their star five-eighth as they push for a spot in the finals.
Key Player Updates Across the League
Several teams are managing player returns and injuries as Round 20 approaches. The Penrith Panthers could see the return of Mitch Kenny, who is recovering from a leg injury, and Casey McLean, who is dealing with a quad issue. Kenny expressed his eagerness to return but noted the importance of being fully fit. If they return, Jack Cole might move to the reserves, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin also expected to be back.
The Brisbane Broncos are closely monitoring the fitness of their halves, with Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam potentially returning. Both players participated in training sessions, with Mam notably not wearing a no-contact bib during a recent session. Reynolds is anticipated to reclaim his spot if fit, while the decision on Mam’s role, whether on the bench or starting over Tom Duffy, remains a point of discussion. Additionally, Billy Walters is set for his return to the NRL after recovering from a torn ACL, having played limited minutes in the Queensland Cup to regain match fitness.
For the Cronulla Sharks, Addin Fonua-Blake is expected to return to the starting lineup, replacing Oregon Kaufusi. The team hopes to maintain the form that led to a recent win against the Dolphins. There is also a possibility of lock forward Jesse Colquhoun returning after missing a game due to knee inflammation, an injury described by Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon as not significant.
The Newcastle Knights anticipate the return of Bradman Best, who was rested previously. This would see Fletcher Sharpe move back to the halves, with Sandon Smith shifting to the bench. The availability of Jermaine McEwen, who experienced hamstring tightness, is uncertain. Coach Adam O’Brien is hopeful for his return. Greg Marzhew, who sustained a hip cork, is expected to be available for the match against the Sharks despite the short turnaround.
Roosters and Storm Prepare for Clash
The Sydney Roosters are set to welcome back Reece Robson and Sam Walker, both Origin representatives. However, James Tedesco will remain sidelined due to a concussion suffered in Origin III, meaning Cody Ramsey is likely to continue at fullback. The Roosters will face the Storm in a significant fixture.
The Storm’s lineup for their match against the Roosters will feature Tyran Wishart at five-eighth in Munster’s absence. Oryn Keeley, who performed well in his club debut, is a potential starter in place of Joe Chan. Moses Leo is also due to return after missing a match due to concussion protocols. The Storm’s coach, Craig Bellamy, had previously confirmed that Munster would not back up from Origin Three, with Harry Grant and Trent Loiero playing against the Titans.
In other team news, the Canberra Raiders saw Seb Kris withdraw from last week’s game due to a hamstring injury sustained in training. The severity of his injury is not yet clear, but if he returns, it would be a direct swap for Jed Stuart. Both Ethan Strange and Hudson Young are expected to return to the starting side, replacing Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are also managing their squad, with Dayne Jennings being highlighted as a breakout winger. The Titans confirmed that Maroons duo Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita would back up from Origin duty, providing a boost for the Gold Coast side. Cooper Bai is on track to return from a concussion, and former Storm winger Dean Ieremia is set to play his first NRL match since 2024, replacing Jaylan De Groot.
The Storm v Titans match in Round 19 saw Harry Grant come off the bench, with Trent Toelau starting, and Trent Loiero starting at lock. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown was brought in on the wing, and Joe Chan replaced Alec MacDonald in the starting side. Jahrome Hughes, Nick Meaney, and Jack Howarth were all back in the lineup for that game.
The Penrith Panthers are scheduled to play the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday, July 16, at CommBank Stadium at 7:50 pm.
Source: foxsports.com.au
