Melbourne captain Harry Grant suffered a seemingly serious hamstring injury in a mega blow to the Storm’s finals aspirations on Friday night.
South Sydney’s hooker, Melbourne premiership winner Brandon Smith, is also under an injury cloud, having corked his right calf before suffering an injury to his left calf.
Harry Grant limps off. Getty Images
Grant was taking a dart from dummy-half with three minutes remaining in the first half when he pulled up abruptly.
He then limped to the sideline at Accor Stadium, threw his head guard on the ground and hobbled up the tunnel.
“That is devastating news for the Melbourne Storm,” said Nine caller Mat Thompson.
“And Harry’s reaction tells the story.”
Grant joins superstar five-eighth Cameron Munster (knee), boom winger Xavier Coates (Achilles) and Warriors-bound flyer Will Warbrick (Achilles) in a crammed Storm injury ward.
Craig Bellamy’s team is also missing second-rower Eliesa Katoa (head) and prop Tui Kamikamica (stroke).
Munster is not expected to return until after Melbourne’s round 24 bye.
Grant was used off the bench on Friday night, with Bellamy opting to start with Trent Toelau at hooker.
Smith hobbled up the race in the 59th minute with both calves heavily strapped.
He left the field in the first half for an assessment on his right calf, then was ruled out during the second half because of his right calf.
More to come.