Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has opted to rest forward Trent Loiero for Thursday night’s Round 22 clash against the Parramatta Eels in Sydney.
Loiero has been left out of the matchday squad despite being available, with Tui Kamikamica shifting into the starting side at lock. It’s the only change to the Storm’s forward pack from last week as Bellamy manages his troops heading into the business end of the season.
Loiero’s omission is understood to be purely precautionary, with the 23-year-old having carried a heavy workload in recent weeks. The decision offers Kamikamica a starting role, while the Storm bench features Jonah Pezet, Ativalu Lisati, Bronson Garlick and Joe Chan.
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Papenhuyzen, Munster headline big inclusions
Bellamy has also welcomed back two major names for the trip to CommBank Stadium, with Ryan Papenhuyzen returning at fullback for the first time since Round 17. Nick Meaney shifts to right centre to accommodate the change.
Cameron Munster is back at five-eighth and will partner Tyran Wishart in the halves, as the Storm look to build momentum against a resurgent Eels outfit.
Melbourne currently sit in the top four, and Bellamy’s selection tweaks, particularly resting Loiero, suggest an eye on keeping his squad fresh and firing for the finals.