Mixed news for Melbourne Storm following costly win over Parramatta

MELBOURNE have received a mixed bag of injury news on Cameron Smith, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Brandon Smith while Will Chambers will miss three weeks via suspension.

Cameron Smith of the Storm (centre) receives medical attention during the Round 23 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Friday, August 17, 2018. (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

MELBOURNE Storm has been rocked by a three-game suspension to Will Chambers.

It comes after the reigning premier put a line through injured trio Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Suliasi Vunivalu and Brandon Smith for at least the next two matches.

Cameron Smith is only a “chance” to play next week after being crunched in a bone-jarring tackle in the first half of Melbourne’s determined 16-point win over Parramatta Eels.

The Chambers ban, to be confirmed by the club on Monday, compounds the club’s woes and puts a further strain on playing stocks.

The Maroons and Kangaroos centre Chambers attracted a Grade 3 dangerous contact head/neck charge for the unruly 37th minute tackle on Parramatta’s Jarryd Hayne.

Chambers runs the risk of missing five matches should Storm appeal and be unsuccessful in a high stakes bid to earn a downgrade.

There has been nine “crusher tackle” charges in the past two seasons - seven Grade 1’s and two Grade 2’s - giving the Storm strong grounds for appeal.

Chambers was penalized on Friday night after body-slamming Hayne in a vulnerable position.

Storm officials have until midday on Monday to make a decision.

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Both could miss anywhere between 2-6 weeks.

Vunivalu (hamstring) and Storm captain Smith (back) will also get scanned on Monday to assess the full extent of damage.

Smith only played the first half. AAP Image/Daniel Pockett.

Smith, who was crunched in a fierce two-man tackle late in the first half against Parramatta, has experienced back spasms in the past and played the following week.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy will need to be creative at the selection table should Smith ultimately be ruled out for Saturday’s game against Gold Coast Titans.

Developing dummy halves Harry Grant and Billy Walters sustained season-ending ankle injuries last week, while heir apparent 22-year-old Smith will join them in rehab.

Utility Kenny Bromwich is the frontrunner to start in place of the veteran Smith, if need be, next week but the Kiwis international won’t play 80 minutes in the taxing role.

Vunivalu is out until the finals. AAP Image/Daniel Pockett.

The Storm channelled Spartans on Friday night to secure the grittiest of wins over the Eels despite being reduced to 12 and 13-fit men respectively during the second half.

Storm fullback Billy Slater hailed the gut-busting performance.

“For us to defend the way we did tonight, to keep them to one try and that was a freakish kick and a freakish put down, I thought it was an amazing effort,” Slater said.

“That will and want to get into position and turn up for each other, that was probably the biggest thing we’ll take from tonight.”

The 22-year-old injured hooker Smith earned high praise for staying on the field injured until Cameron Munster returned from the sin bin.

Storm workhorse Dale Finucane, who spent 14 minutes off the ground during the frantic second half after a head knock, highlighted Smith’s toughness.

“A lot of boys had to rise to the occasion,” Finucane said.

“I could tell (Brandon) was really hurt and really injured, and the boys were just talking to him out there to get through it … he really toughed it out.”

Melbourne dictated terms early, holding onto the ball, gaining repeat sets and building pressure.

It buckled the Eels and created the platform to victory.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy gushed about the determined performance.

“I couldn’t be prouder of their effort tonight,” Bellamy said.

“Whoever we put in next week, if we put that effort in, we’ll be hard to beat.”

Justin Olam looks set to come in for Vunivalu, while Sam Kasiano, Albert Vete and Tui Kamikamica will vie for Asofa-Solomona’s spot.

Originally published as Mixed news for Melbourne Storm following costly win over Parramatta