Melbourne consider NRL judiciary challenge following Suliasi Vunivalu dangerous contact charge

Melbourne Storm will regain Josh Addo-Carr in time for the Cowboys but have until midday Tuesday to decide whether to challenge a grade 2 dangerous contact charge for Suliasi Vunivalu.

Vunivalu gets to grips with Nick Meaney. Image: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

Melbourne Storm will regain Josh Addo-Carr for Friday night’s game against North Queensland but could be without frontline finisher Suliasi Vunivalu.

The Storm has until midday Tuesday to decide whether or not challenge a grade 2 dangerous contact charge levelled against Fijian cleanskin Vunivalu.

Vunivalu was sighted for a leg pull on Bulldogs fullback Nick Meaney, who played out the game last Sunday despite getting up gingerly in the 10th minute.

While the Storm fully expected Vunivalu to be sanctioned for the silly act, officials had hoped for a lesser Grade 1 charge, which would allow him to play on an early plea.

Vunivalu gets to grips with Nick Meaney. Image: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

Vunivalu runs the risk of missing next week’s grand final replay against reigning premiers Sydney Roosters if the Storm is unable to get a downgrade.

The Storm sought legal advice yesterday to determine whether or not to fight the severity of the punishment.

But the Herald Sun has established a Round 1 incident involving Broncos prop Matt Lodge and Storm playmaker Cameron Munster could be used as grounds for a possible downgrade.

Lodge received the same punishment, a grade 2 charge, for an unruly attack on Munster’s legs as the five-eighth was in the air after kicking the ball down field.

Josh Addo-Carr‘s return gives Melbourne more options. Image: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The Storm, however, will get Addo-Carr back for the Cowboys assignment after the premiership and NSW Origin winger advised the club of his intention to return to Melbourne.

Addo-Carr spent last weekend in Sydney to be with his grandfather, Australian champion boxer Wally Carr, who is fighting an illness.

Storm debutant Ryan Papenhuyzen, who stepped in for Addo-Carr last Sunday, could retain a spot in Craig Bellamy’s run-on squad.

Papenhuyzen registered 23m from two runs and laid four tackles in a short burst off the bench late in the game.

The speedster opened up about the experience on Monday.

“I’m pretty good with my nerves, the boys really helped get through that,” Papenhuyzen said.

“They reassured me all week that they’d be next to me, in tackles they’d be there to help out, in attack they’d call early (to) make sure I was in position.”

Papenhuyzen handled the step up in grade with aplomb, both the speed and physicality.

NRL comeback winger Sandor Earl could also be named in the 21-man squad today.

Earl, who last played an NRL game in 2013, stamped his claims with a reserve-grade Queensland Cup hat-trick last week.