NRL Finals Week 2 2023: Early mail, team news, injuries

Already without star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, Melbourne Storm could be forced into a backline reshuffle, with another star in doubt for a must win finals clash.

Xavier Coates is in doubt for Melbourne’s must win week two finals clash. Picture: Getty Images.

The Storm’s woes have been compounded with Xavier Coates suffering an ankle injury which will have him racing the clock to be right to play this week with an ankle injury joining teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen in the club’s growing casualty ward.

The Storm did receive some much needed good news after Marion Seve and Trent Loiero were cleared of any concussion and will be free to play for Melbourne in their must-win clash.

However, Coates suffered a “minor” syndesmosis injury which now has him in severe doubt to play. He had scans on Saturday afternoon.

“He will be monitored during the week to see if he is available for next week’s semi-final,” the Storm said in a statement.

Xavier Coates is in doubt for Melbourne’s must win week two finals clash. Picture: Getty Images.

With their growing injury list, the Storm have pulled Reimis Smith from his Queensland Cup commitments for the Brisbane Tigers after being named to play in their finals clash on Sunday.

Smith and fellow discarded centre Justin Olam will come into calculations for a reprieve in the Storm side. Grant Anderson is another in contention to come into the squad after being named in an extended squad ahead of the game against Melbourne. Youngster Sualauvi Fa’alogo impressed in round 27 but is unlikely to find a spot.

Reimis Smith is the most likely to earn a recall after being pulled from Queensland Cup. Picture: Getty Images.

Olam has fallen massively out of favour with the Storm this year despite being a mainstay in recent seasons. The PNG centre has played just 15 games – his fewest since 2019 – and only one game since round 22.

Smith has had injury concerns of his own after missing the middle part of the season with torn pectoral.

Bronson Garlick could also replace Papenhuyzen on the bench if the Storm want to run with four forwards in the squad.

Seve, Loiero, Young Tonumaipea and Tom Eisenhuth all came from the field at different stages on Friday night but the quartet will be eligible for selection.

The Storm are already without potential starting outside backs Dean Ieremia and George Jennings.