While Melbourne playmaker Cameron Munster has emerged from COVID-19 isolation ready to take on Canberra on Sunday, hooker Harry Grant is no certainty to start.
The Raiders have also been hit by the withdrawal of winger Nick Cotric, second-rower Elliott Whitehead and interchange forward Corey Horsburgh.
Munster missed Queensland’s State of Origin deciding win after contracting the virus but joined the Storm’s final training run on Saturday ahead of the AAMI Park clash.
Coach Craig Bellamy said that Munster had trained “pretty well” after coming out of isolation on Friday.
Grant copped a cork to the lower back/glute area after helping steer the Maroons to a 22-12 boilover on Wednesday night and was still troubled by the injury on match eve.
“He obviously got a bit of a knock in Origin and we’re not quite sure,” Bellamy said.
“He got through a bit of training so we’ll just see how he pulls up.
“I think he’s reasonably confident so hopefully, he will be OK tomorrow.”
The possible loss of Grant would be a massive blow given fellow hooker Brandon Smith is serving a three-game suspension for contrary conduct.
Representative second-rower Felise Kaufusi is a certain starter after taking personal leave to care for his ill father in the US.
The Storm are looking to snap a two-game losing streak and Bellamy said he wanted to see more energy from his troops, particularly in defence which has leaked 34 points in the losses.
“We’ve had a long break and had a few days off last weekend so that’s why they’ve come back a bit refreshed,” Bellamy said.
“But we’d be kidding ourselves if we think that’s going to solve all of our problems … we’ll see on Sunday how we’re travelling.”
Canberra also had a chance to recharge with a bye and have five-eighth Jack Wighton itching to make an impact after missing Origin.
Queensland prop Josh Papalii is expected to back up.
James Shiller will move from the bench to cover Cotric while Adam Elliott has also been elevated into the second-row to replace Whitehead.
Emre Guler, Corey Harawira-Naera and Albert Hopoate are the new faces on the bench.
“We always find them really tough, Canberra, they really a good, competitive side,” Bellamy said.
“They’re a tough physical side and that’s where they’ll test us.”
Melbourne will have former skipper Cameron Smith at the ground, where they will unveil a grandstand named in his honour.
Smith will be formally presented to the Storm fans for the first time since his retirement at the end of 2020.
By Melissa Woods in Sydney
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