Melbourne Storm’s General Manager – Football, Frank Ponissi, has given an update on the Club’s injured players ahead of their bye week and upcoming Round 5 clash against the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on April 4.
Round 3 saw two new additions to Storm’s injury list.
Twenty-four hours out from kick-off, Joe Chan was ruled out of the match against the Knights following an infection on his hand after being stood on in Round 2. Chan has since had surgery and will continue his rehabilitation with the goal of selection in Round 5.
Midway through the first half of the Knights clash, Reimis Smith went down following a knock to the ribs and did not return to the field. Club medical staff have been happy with his recovery progress so far, with the centre also slated to be up for selection against the Broncos.
Young Victorian, Sua Fa’alogo will also continue his recovery from an ankle injury, unlikely to return to the squad ahead of Round 5.
“He would have played last week against the Knights, but the ankle injury that he sustained for the Bears the week before may keep him out for an extra week. Round six is probably when he'll be back.” Ponissi said.
On the bright side, the Club’s feeder and NRL sides are set to receive boosts following the bye.
Cameron Munster has made his return to full training this week from a niggling groin injury.
“If he can train for the rest of this week and early next week, given it's a Thursday night game, he too will be back for the Broncos game, which will be obviously a huge boost for the team.” Ponissi added.
Following the mandatory 11-day stand-down period, Christian Welch has passed all his HIA requirements and is anticipated to be available for selection against the Broncos.
Ammaron ‘AJ’ Gudgeon will return to Storm’s state cup teams within the next two weeks after a shoulder injury kept him sidelined for the beginning of the season, while Bronson Garlick is set to make his long-awaited return to the field from a back injury. With the no Hostplus Cup games played this weekend, Garlick will be noted for selection up north in Round 5.
Suffering from repeated hamstring injuries, Nelson Asofa-Solomona began his return to first grade with the Northern Sydney Bears over the weekend.
“He had two stints on Sunday for the Bears, playing 48 minutes in total, which we're really pleased about,” Ponissi shared.
“It was difficult for NAS because he didn't even train with the Bears. He just turned up and met his new teammates on Sunday at the stadium.
“He did well under the circumstances just to get 48 minutes out of his first run of the of the season, so it'll hold him in good stead for the next few weeks.”
Frank Ponissi injury report: Bye week
