Cameron Munster’s anticipated return to the NRL comes with a caveat as Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy grapples with the uncertainty of an injury that has even puzzled the club’s medical staff. Munster is expected to kick off his 2024 season against Brisbane in Melbourne on Thursday night, but his participation hinges on whether he wakes up without exacerbating the groin injury that has kept the club guessing.
Bellamy expressed cautious optimism, stating, “There’s a pretty good chance that he might line up.” However, he acknowledged the frustrating inconsistency of Munster’s injury, which has seen him fluctuate between feeling fine and experiencing setbacks. The uncertainty has left everyone involved, including the medical staff, a bit perplexed.
Munster, a longstanding nemesis for the Broncos, has been a pivotal figure in Melbourne’s dominance over Brisbane at home. The Storm will also see the return of prop Christian Welch from concussion and star half Jahrome Hughes from suspension, but prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona remains sidelined with North Sydney in the NSW Cup.
Bellamy tempered expectations for Munster’s return, emphasizing the need to apply pressure on Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds, particularly after his stellar performance in the previous game against North Queensland. Despite missing key players like Payne Haas and Reece Walsh, Brisbane remains formidable, prompting Bellamy to highlight the importance of disrupting Reynolds’ playmaking abilities.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters, undeterred by past records, dismissed any notion of hoodoos and embraced the upcoming challenge at AAMI Park. Reflecting on their breakthrough victory against the Storm last year, Walters emphasized the need for consistency and collective effort from his team to continue making strides forward.
