Captain Harry Grant set to miss Melbourne Storm’s clash with Gold Coast after State of Origin workload

NRL teams feel the pinch during State of Origin and the toll could hit Melbourne Storm on Saturday with a key player in doubt.

Melbourne Storm could be without a couple of their Origin stars after coach Craig Bellamy revealed Harry Grant had returned home from Brisbane and was “doubtful” to fly back to the Gold Coast for Saturday’s game against the Titans.

Grant, Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates and Trent Loiero all played on Wednesday night, while Stefano Utoikamanu was part of the NSW squad that took a 1-0 series lead with Bellamy part of the coaching crew.

The Storm has traditionally played it safe during the Origin period, but Bellamy hasn’t decided who will back up and who will be rested for the trip north.

“I’m not quite sure yet,” he said.

“A couple of them probably won’t but a couple probably will.

Harry Grant showing the toll of State of Origin. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“We just need to get through training today and then we’ll see how we go with the players here.

“Harry came back (to Melbourne) but the rest of them stayed up there, so we’ll see how they’re going when we get up there.”

Grant is the man most likely to miss out, with Bronson Garlick expected to take the captain’s place in the starting side if he’s ruled out.

The Maroons hooker has played just one NRL match since round 6 due to a hamstring tear and it showed, as Grant struggled to make an impact on Wednesday night.

He had just three runs, missed five tackles and gave away a penalty in an uncharacteristically off night, but Bellamy assured Storm fans that Grant’s fitness wasn’t a concern.

“He hasn’t played much footy, but he’s OK physically,” he said.

“Like the others, he’s disappointed with the result as you would be, but he seems OK this morning.

“(I haven’t ruled him out) at the moment, but he’s probably doubtful, especially with the amount of footy that he hasn’t played.

NSW coach Laurie Daley with Craig Bellamy in camp. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“We’re just trying to do what we think is best for tomorrow afternoon but also what’s right for the players.”

Jack Howarth could return from a shoulder injury, with the Storm searching for consistency after trading wins and losses across the past six rounds before last week’s bye.

Scoring points hasn’t been an issue for Melbourne, but they’ve also leaked plenty of tries, which is a worry ahead of a tricky clash against a Titans side that loves to move the ball.

“I’m not quite sure what to put it down to, but we’re obviously aware of it,” Bellamy said.

“It’s not something that we’re too happy with, to be quite honest.

“We probably need to be a little bit more consistent with our training and then we’ll be a little bit more consistent in the game.”