Storm GM of Football Frank Ponissi has provided an injury update ahead of Melbourne’s Round 24 blockbuster with Penrith—and the news is all good for four injured stars.
While confirming Ryan Papenhuyzen showed delayed concussion symptoms following last week’s victory over the Brisbane Broncos, Ponissi said the club was confident the dynamic fullback would be back for Round 25 against the Bulldogs.
“It’s (concussion) something we’re extra precautionary with these days, so he’ll miss this week, but he’s already recovering very well,” Ponissi said of Papenhuyzen.
“He’ll continue to rest for the next few days but the way he’s gone in the last 48 hours we think he’ll be back next week against the Bulldogs.”
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Ponissi also said centre Jack Howarth will miss a second week with a groin strain but ‘got really close to playing’ against the Panthers and will be ‘one hundred percent’ next week.
Jahrome Hughes ‘showing good signs’
Turning to star playmaker Jahrome Hughes who continues rehab on the shoulder he dislocated against the Roosters in Round 21, again the forecast was bright.
“He (Hughes) is going really well and still on track for week one of the finals,” Ponissi said.
“He’s showing good signs, he’s back running and hopefully in a couple of weeks he’ll be joining training with the team—we’re very confident he’ll be ready (for the NRL finals).”
Will Warbrick set for return
In a final piece of welcome injury news, Ponissi also revealed 27-year-old winger Will Warbrick is almost over his protracted concussion issues.
“Will is back to full training with the team which is fantastic, just seeing him run around every day with the team rather than away on his own,” Ponissi said.
“Obviously he’s missed a lot of training, but he’s not far away from playing.
“He’ll go back and play in Q Cup (first) and he’ll be another valuable asset going into the finals, especially given we’ve been so thin on the ground with outside backs.
“To have him back before the finals will be tremendous for the squad.”