NRL 2016: Cameron Munster set to miss Storm season opener, Curtis Scott in line for debut
CAMERON Munster is unlikely to be available for NRL round one but the Storm have a teenage sensation lined up to replace him.
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INJURED Melbourne star Cameron Munster is unlikely to be available for NRL round one but the Storm have a ready-made replacement in teenage sensation Curtis Scott.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said Munster’s knee injury was set to keep him out of their opening clash with St George Illawarra.
Scott’s impressive form through the pre-season and in the Auckland Nines means he could make a surprise appearance in their top side.
The 18-year-old joined Storm this season after the club won a fierce race for his signature on a three-year deal.
He captained Cronulla Sharks to the SG Ball premiership last year as well as playing for the Australian Schoolboys.
MORE: Curtis Scott - how Storm snared of one of rugby league’s hottest prospects
Munster was set to fill Kurt Mann’s centre role after he departed for the Dragons, and Scott could now fill that role or play on the wing.
Bellamy said he had been impressed with his transition and described him as a tough kid and a fast learner.
He will game time in their two trials - against Wests Tigers and Canterbury - which could decide whether he gets the nod.
“You’d probably think at the start of the pre-season he’s probably a bit young (to start in round one) as he’s only just turned 18 but the way he’s handled the pre-season and the way he’s handled the Nines, the next two weeks are pretty big weeks for him,” Bellamy said.
“He’s right in the reckoning to be quite honest, especially with a bit of doubt on Billy (Slater) and if Munster doesn’t make round one Curtis is right in there with two or three other blokes.”
Originally published as NRL 2016: Cameron Munster set to miss Storm season opener, Curtis Scott in line for debut
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