Munster injury impacts Storm’s finals aspirations; NRL team updates for Round 20
The Melbourne Storm face a significant challenge to their finals hopes following an injury to key player Cameron Munster. Munster has been ruled out for a period of four to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery for a cartilage injury. This development comes as the Storm are positioned two wins outside the top eight, with what has been described as the hardest remaining schedule in the NRL.
Tyran Wishart is expected to continue filling Munster’s role, as he did in the team’s recent victory against the Titans. The Storm 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 acknowledged the importance of being fully fit. If McLean returns, Jack Cole might move to the reserves, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin also expected back. Jack Cogger and Billy Phillips could move to the bench, while Lindsay Smith is anticipated to return to a starting role in the front row.
The Brisbane Broncos are closely watching the potential returns of Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam to their halves. Both players trained recently, with Mam reportedly not wearing a no-contact bib during a session. Reynolds is expected to reclaim his spot if fit, while there is discussion around whether Mam will be on the bench or start over Tom Duffy. Additionally, Billy Walters is set for his first NRL game since suffering a torn ACL in a qualifying final against Canberra, having played limited minutes in the Queensland Cup to prepare for his return.
The Cronulla Sharks are set to see Addin Fonua-Blake return to the starting lineup, replacing Oregon Kaufusi. The team largely plans to maintain the successful lineup from their previous match against the Dolphins. However, there is a possibility of lock forward Jesse Colquhoun returning from a knee inflammation, an injury described as not significant by Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
For the Newcastle Knights, Bradman Best is expected to return after being rested, which would see Fletcher Sharpe revert to the halves and Sandon Smith move to the bench. The availability of Jermaine McEwen, who experienced hamstring tightness, remains uncertain. Knights coach Adam O’Brien expressed hope for McEwen’s return. Greg Marzhew, who sustained a hip cork, is anticipated to be fit for the game against the Sharks despite the short turnaround.
Upcoming Matches and Further Team Adjustments
The Sydney Roosters are preparing to welcome back Reece Robson and Sam Walker, both Origin stars. 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 addition to Munster’s absence, the Storm might see Oryn Keeley, who performed well in his club debut, move into the starting lineup in place of Joe Chan. Tyran Wishart will revert to the bench. Moses Leo is also expected to return after missing a match due to concussion protocols.
The Canberra Raiders are awaiting clarity on the severity of Seb Kris‘s hamstring injury, which led to his late withdrawal from last week’s game. If Kris returns, he would directly swap with Jed Stuart. Both Ethan Strange and Hudson Young are slated to return to the starting side, replacing Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota.
For the South Sydney Rabbitohs, breakout winger Dayne Jennings is a notable player in their lineup. The Storm played the Titans on Sunday at AAMI Park.
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Source: foxsports.com.au
