Key Players and Team Updates
Several key players have been sidelined or are under consideration for the upcoming matches, with significant implications for both teams involved. The Storm’s star duo, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster, did not participate in Friday’s captain’s run and their availability for the match against the Roosters this weekend remains uncertain. However, Queensland bench forward Trent Loiero is set to feature after completing limited minutes in the State of Origin opener.
Grant delivered an impressive performance for the Maroons, recording a game-high 46 tackles and executing an audacious flick pass that resulted in a try for Thomas Flegler. Meanwhile, Munster contributed with 14 runs and set up a try as Queensland struggled to maintain a 20-0 lead in Sydney.
The Storm have yet to make a final decision on whether Grant and Munster will play on Saturday night. If they are rested, Trent Toelau and Keagan Russell-Smith are expected to start. Coach Craig Bellamy provided some insight into the situation:
“Whether they play or not, I’m not quite sure yet. We’ll just see how they pull up tomorrow,” Bellamy said. “They won’t be doing any training today. They’d like to play, but whether it’s best for them or not, we’re not quite sure yet. They need to have a few more checks and then go from there.”
Bellamy added that Loiero is likely to be fit despite playing only 15 minutes, as he is eager to return to action.
“We think Trent’s going to be OK because he only played 15 minutes so he’s really keen to play, and I think he’ll train today.”
Knights’ Lineup Confirmed
Meanwhile, Knights coach Justin Holbrook confirmed that all his Origin players will be available for the match against the Eels on Saturday. Kalyn Ponga will lead the team after being sent off and fined for a shoulder charge in the previous game. Blues duo Jacob Saifiti and Dylan Lucas were part of the squad but did not see action.
“After Origin, Kalyn’s feeling good, so he’ll back-up,” Holbrook said. “The other boys didn’t get a run, so we’re all good to go as what we’ve named.”
Challenges Ahead for the Storm
The Storm face a tough challenge against a Roosters side that could look very different if coach Trent Robinson decides to rest some of his key players. For Melbourne to secure a win, their Origin contingent must be at full strength.
Melbourne recently suffered a disappointing loss to the Bulldogs, where they once again surrendered a big halftime lead, which frustrated their coach. Bellamy has been working on making adjustments to improve their second-half performance.
“We’ve already tried to tweak a few things, but there are only so many things you can tweak. The tweaks we’ve made might take a week or two to work,” Bellamy said. “I can’t remember the last time in my coaching career that I’ve been so confused about that.”
He continued: “We’ve tried a few different things, but we just can’t seem to get it right in the second half. If we keep talking about it and thinking about it, we’ve got to worry about the rest of the game.”
