NRL Pre-Season report: Fa’alogo and Papenhuyzen injuries rock Storm, Duffy impresses for Cowboys

Melbourne Storm are sweating on scan results from two key players while the North Queensland Cowboys head into round one full of confidence and with a boom rookie calling the shots.

The Storm are facing a potential fullback conundrum in round one after Sua Fa’alogo limped off with a hamstring injury during their 36-24 loss to the Cowboys.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy revealed on Saturday that Ryan Papenhuyzen was in serious doubt for the season opener against the Eels on March 9 due to knee and ankle niggles, with Fa’alogo tipped to slot straight in as he did so many times last year.

But the livewire fullback is now under an injury cloud of his own after he came off early in the second half with hamstring tightness and did not return.

Hugo Peel of the Storm receives medical attention after a collision. Picture: Getty Images

Nick Meaney is the obvious choice if the top two options are both unavailable, but the Storm will do everything to ensure Fa’alogo is fit after he showed off his skills with a try on the stroke of halftime when he reacted quickly to a deflected Harry Grant kick.

There were scary scenes in the final 15 minutes when local junior Hugo Peel was knocked out after colliding heavily with a teammate, with the teenager taken from the field in an ambulance.

The club confirmed on social media that he was responsive and talking and that he was being taken for further examination.

Tom Duffy was super impressive for the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

COMBINATIONS

An injury to Jake Clifford has opened the door for Tom Duffy to start the year at halfback, and the youngster handled his audition against the minor premiers with some classy touches in the big road win.

Duffy threw the final pass for Scott Drinkwater’s first try of the afternoon while he also kicked really well which allowed halves partner Tom Dearden to do his thing.

Dearden sliced through for a second-half try while Duffy nailed three goals as Drinkwater stepped up again as the chief playmaker with plenty of slick passes to go with his first-half double.

Jeremiah Nanai impressed on the left for the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

RECRUIT WATCH

He never looked comfortable at the Tigers, but John Bateman is ready to make the most of a fresh start at the Cowboys where he looms as a key signing given they’ve lost Heilum Luki for the season, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is now at the Dolphins.

The veteran Englishman provides the energy and aggression they need on the right edge, with Jeremiah Nanai switching to the left where he threw the final pass for two first-half tries.

The only positive for the Storm was a late try to Stefano Utoikamanu who is primed to take his career to new heights.

Cowboys defence muscles up against Tui Kamikamica of the Storm. Picture: Getty Images

ROOKIE WATCH

Valentine Holmes is a huge loss for the Cowboys, but they look to have found his replacement with Jaxon Purdue impressing at left centre with a try, three line-breaks and a couple of try assists.

Purdue played eight games last season wherever he was needed, but he has the chance to make this spot his own after a dominant display against the Storm.

Jaxon Purdue of the Cowboys cuts through the Storm defence. Picture: Getty Images

HOT TAKE

Scott Drinkwater finished 2024 with 31 try assists, but he won’t finish second this time around, with the Cowboys fullback to lead the league in tries created.

FINAL SAY

Bellamy will be very happy the trials are over, and can at least look forward to welcoming back Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick for round one, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be back for the grand final rematch.

Originally published as NRL Pre-Season report: Fa’alogo and Papenhuyzen injuries rock Storm, Duffy impresses for Cowboys