‘It’s a luxury’: Storm to unleash freakish spine with confirmation Cameron Munster will start against the Dragons
They’re already four points clear at the top, but the Storm is set to get even stronger with a key man cleared to start on Saturday night.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A flawless week at training has Cameron Munster on track to make his first start since Magic Round, with the Storm superstar making an encouraging return off the bench last week as the ladder leaders overcame a slow start to extend their imposing winning streak.
The Storm hasn’t lost since round 12 – the week after Munster suffered a serious adductor tear against the Eels – with Melbourne now four points clear at the top thanks to huge performances from halfback Jahrome Hughes and some big games from unheralded players like Grant Anderson and Tyran Wishart.
Munster eased his way back into the side with a solid 49 minutes off the bench against Parramatta last week, and assistant coach Ryan Hinchcliffe confirmed on Friday that the star playmaker would start against the Dragons as the Storm look to up the ante six weeks out from the finals.
“I think he’ll be (starting). He’s had a full week at training now,” Hinchcliffe said.
“It’s really good to get our key position players back training together this week. He’s had a full week, so I expect he’ll start and go out and play really well for us.
“That continuity in your key positions is really important.
“We’ve had some guys in and out of those positions all year, so we’re glad to have them back playing together and training together to build those combinations because they’re definitely important going to the back end (of the season).”
Munster being back in the No.6 jersey is a huge boost for the Storm who has won all five games this season when their first-choice spine of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant have all started.
“It’s a luxury and it’s on us to take advantage of that,” Grant said.
“Now it’s on us to try and take our game to the next level, having Munny (Munster) back in there.
“We can’t miss out on opportunities week to week. We’ve got just a period of time now and a little block to build into finals.
“That’s our mindset with Mun coming back into the team and hopefully we can fast track it.”
The Storm begins their finals push at home against the Dragons, but they’ll do so without Reimis Smith after the experienced centre joined Catalans effective immediately.
It’s a big loss for Melbourne but they’ve shown they have the depth to cover in the outside backs with a number of players in career-best form this season.
“It’s a disappointing loss for our club because Reimis has been here for four years and has done an amazing job,” Hinchcliffe said.
“An opportunity came up for him overseas to further his career, and we didn’t want to stand in the way of that. We wish him all the best.
“I don’t think (him leaving) opens the door for anyone.
“Jack Howarth has been doing a really good job at centre and we have Marion Seve, who is coming back from injury. Nick Meaney has also been doing a really good job at right centre, so we’ve got a bit of depth in that position.”
Originally published as ‘It’s a luxury’: Storm to unleash freakish spine with confirmation Cameron Munster will start against the Dragons
NRL star charged with threatening police
Canberra Raiders veteran player Josh Papalii has been charged over an ugly confrontation with police inside a licensed venue, just weeks before he won a prestigious award.
‘Sprays me every game’: How Luai’s tough love transformed Penrith star
Panthers young gun Paul Alamoti has praised Jarome Luai for helping turning his NRL career around, crediting some of the five-eighth’s savage sprays for turning him into a grand final player.