Melbourne Storm boosted by Cameron Smith injury report

MELBOURNE Storm’s NRL minor premiership chances have soared with a positive medical verdict on Cameron Smith’s pectoral injury.

Cameron Smith could miss just one week for Melbourne.

Melbourne Storm’s NRL minor premiership chances have soared with a medical verdict that Cameron Smith may miss as little as one match with a pectoral injury.

External medical judges had suggested Smith would miss between four and six weeks with an injury which forced him from the field in Melbourne’s six-point win over Canberra on Saturday night.

“The news on Cameron is much better than we expected,’’ Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said.

“He is a slim chance, but unlikely to play next Sunday (against Manly at AAMI Park).

“But he is likely to play against the Cowboys (on August 5) and definite to play the Roosters.’’

Cameron Smith could miss just one week for Melbourne.

Ponissi said fullback Billy Slater would be closely monitored this week on how he feels about his concussion from a late, high tackle by Canberra’s Sia Soliola.

“At this stage there is no decision on whether he will play next week,’’ Ponissi said.

The Storm are one win ahead of the Roosters and two wins ahead of the three clubs, Brisbane, Cronulla and North Queensland.