The Storm have been dealt a major blow with superstar five-eighth Cameron Munster ruled out of Sunday night\u2019s clash with the Titans.<\/p>\n
The Queensland captain will be given the weekend off, with Harry Grant and Trent Loiero likely to back-up.<\/p>\n
Grant made an impressive 51 tackles on Wednesday night and might start Sunday\u2019s clash on the bench, with Tyran Wishart and Trent Toelau in the mix to join the starting side.<\/p>\n
The Storm are in a tricky position where they need to win the bulk of their matches to sneak into the top eight, but they have to find a way to rest their Origin stars with Melbourne\u2019s next game against the Roosters just five days later.<\/p>\n
\u201cMunster is definitely out,\u201d Storm coach Craig Bellamy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll check the other two \u2013 Trent and Harry \u2013 and there are also a couple of others with some minor stuff. We just need to check them and make sure they get through today\u2019s session.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they do then they\u2019ll play. If they don\u2019t then we\u2019ll have to make a couple of changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is tough to have the last game on Sunday and then expect players to back-up five days later.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not quite sure if that\u2019s in the best interests of any NRL players and teams. It is what it is and that\u2019s the hand we\u2019ve been dealt.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mid-season recruit Oryn Keeley is expected to get some minutes this weekend after impressing Bellamy following his move from the Dolphins. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe signed him up for next year but we were lucky enough that the Dolphins were willing to let him come down for the rest of the year,\u201d he said, with the Storm missing edge forwards Eli Katoa, Shawn Blore and Ativalu Lisati.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s only been here a week, but he\u2019s made a really good impression. He hasn\u2019t sat back and looked to see what we do \u2013 he\u2019s got in there and done it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure he\u2019ll add something to the squad.\u201d<\/p>\n
The club also confirmed this week that Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri will make the move south in 2027 after he signed a three-year deal.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a handy get for the Storm who will lose Will Warbrick and Nick Meaney next season, with Xerri and Jamayne Isaako locked in to replace them. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know Bronson too well. I\u2019ve met him two or three times now, but he comes across as a really good guy,\u201d Bellamy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know he\u2019s a really good footy player because I\u2019ve watched him playing for the Bulldogs so he\u2019ll be a very welcome addition to the team next year. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll fit in here really well.\u201d<\/p>\n