Melbourne Storm have been dealt a major setback ahead of Thursday night’s grand final rematch with Penrith, with Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out after entering concussion protocols.
The 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner had only just returned from a month on the sidelines with a calf injury, producing a standout performance in last week’s victory over the Broncos.
Now, the Storm will have to shuffle their backline once again, with Nick Meaney moving from right centre to fill the fullback role.
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Backline reshuffle in a high-stakes clash
Melbourne’s injury issues have created an opportunity for Marion Seve, who will play just his third game in the past two seasons. The centre comes into the side fresh from scoring a hat-trick for North Sydney earlier this month.
The stakes could hardly be higher for the Storm; defeat would put a serious dent in their top-two ambitions.
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Their opponents, Penrith, head into the match unchanged, with coach Ivan Cleary expressing confidence that co-captain Isaah Yeo will recover from a shoulder injury in time for the finals.
For Melbourne, the challenge now is clear: overcome the absence of their star No.1 and find a way past the reigning premiers in a match that could shape the run-in to September.