Munster injury impacts Storm’s finals push; Broncos eye halves return
The Melbourne Storm face a significant challenge to their finals aspirations following an injury to Cameron Munster. Munster is expected to miss a substantial period, potentially affecting the remainder of the regular season. This development comes as several other teams are also managing player returns and injuries ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Munster’s Injury and Storm’s Outlook
Cameron Munster has been ruled out for an estimated four to six weeks after undergoing surgery for a cartilage injury in his knee. This absence is a considerable setback for the Storm, who are currently positioned two wins outside the top eight. The team faces what has been described as the hardest remaining schedule in the NRL, according to Fox Lab analysis.
In Munster’s absence, Tyran Wishart will continue to play at five-eighth, a role he filled during the team’s recent victory against the Titans. Wishart is expected to revert to the bench once other players return. The Storm will need to navigate this period without their key playmaker as they push for a finals spot.
Other player movements for the Storm include Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown coming in on the wing and Joe Chan replacing Alec MacDonald in the starting lineup. Jahrome Hughes, Nick Meaney, and Jack Howarth are back in contention. Rookie halfback Hayden Watson is also a possibility for an NRL debut from the extended bench.
Team Updates Across the League
The Penrith Panthers could see the return of Mitch Kenny and Casey McLean. Kenny, who is recovering from a leg injury, stated he is taking his return week-by-week, while McLean is considered more likely to play. If they return, Jack Cole might move to the reserves, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin also available. Jack Cogger and Billy Phillips are expected to move to the bench, and Lindsay Smith could return to his starting front-row position.
For the Brisbane Broncos, there is anticipation surrounding the potential return of Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam to the halves. Both players trained recently, with Mam reportedly not wearing a no-contact bib during a later session. If healthy, Reynolds is expected to replace Ben Hunt. The decision regarding Mam’s role, whether he starts or features on the bench, remains a point of discussion. Billy Walters is also set to make his return to the NRL after recovering from a torn ACL, having played limited minutes in the Queensland Cup.
The Cronulla Sharks are set to bring Addin Fonua-Blake back into the starting side, replacing Oregon Kaufusi. Lock forward Jesse Colquhoun, who missed a previous game due to knee inflammation, might also return, though his injury is not considered long-term. The Newcastle Knights anticipate Bradman Best‘s return, which would see Fletcher Sharpe move back to the halves and Sandon Smith to the bench. The availability of Jermaine McEwen, who experienced hamstring tightness, is uncertain, while Greg Marzhew is expected to play despite a hip cork.
The Sydney Roosters are preparing to welcome back Reece Robson and Sam Walker, both Origin representatives. However, James Tedesco will remain sidelined due to a concussion sustained in Origin III, meaning Cody Ramsey is likely to continue at fullback. The Canberra Raiders might see Seb Kris return after a hamstring injury, which would result in a straight swap with Jed Stuart. Ethan Strange and Hudson Young are also expected to return to the starting lineup, replacing Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota. The South Sydney Rabbitohs are monitoring their squad, with Dayne Jennings being a breakout winger.
The Titans are expected to have Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita available after their Queensland Origin commitments. 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 are scheduled to play the Sydney Roosters on Friday, July 17.
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Source: foxsports.com.au
