Jahrome Hughes and the Melbourne Storm host Nicho Hynes and the Cronulla Sharks in a blockbuster clash at AAMI Park.
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MATCH CENTRE: Storm vs Sharks teams, scores, videos, updates
Jahrome Hughes is set to return at halfback just three weeks after fracturing his forearm. “From what he has done the last couple of weeks he’ll be playing for sure,” coach Craig Bellamy said on Thursday.
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“Something would have to go drastically wrong today for him not to play.”
In somewhat of a shock, Jonah Pezet was cut from the extended squad 24 hours before kick off with Tyran Wishart to wear the No. 14.
Pezet was excellent at halfback in the Storm’s qualifying final win over the Dogs. That indicates Hughes is certain to play.
However, Fox League’s Michael Ennis says leaving Pezet out of the side is a huge risk. “My concern is do Melbourne have the kicking game if something goes pear-shaped for Hughes. (Without Pezet) The answer is no,” Ennis said.
“If he does get injured early, they’re in some deep you know what,” NRL360 host Braith Anasta said.
“They are because Wishart is probably the best 14 in the comp but he’s not a No.7 and I fear that if he gets injured it could go pear-shaped so I pray for Melbourne and Jahrome.”
Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and second-rower Shawn Blore (fractured larynx) are also set to return.
Oregon Kaufusi is set to overcome a calf injury to take his place on the bench in a timely boost after Thomas Hazelton was ruled out due to concussion.
TEAMS
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 12. Eliesa Katoa 15. Shawn Blore 13. Trent Loiero 11. Ativalu Lisati 14. Tyran Wishart 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald. 18th man: 20. Joe Chan
Players cut: 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Grant Anderson 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Late Mail: Shawn Blore starts at second row, with Ativalu Lisati shifting to the bench. Jahrome Hughes is back at halfback.
Sharks team: William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele. 18th man: 18. Daniel Atkinson
Players cut: 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Hohepa Puru
Late Mail: The Sharks are 1-17.
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