Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to make his long-awaited return from an ankle injury as the Melbourne Storm clash with the Dolphins to kick Round 16 off.
Papenhuyzen has been out of the Storm side since Round 9 when he suffered an ankle fracture in a close win against the Gold Coast Titans.
His return shifts Sua Faalogo, who excelled in Melbourne’s win over the Warriors last week, to the wing in place of Xavier Coates.
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Outside of Coates Melbourne benefit from a squad largely unimpacted by State of Origin duties. Trent Loeiro was named in Billy Slater’s squad but will be released from camp for this game.
For Wayne Bennett, he will be without his star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and forward enforcer Felise Kaufusi, who are both away on Origin duties.
Last week, Tabuai-Fidow was the difference for the Dolphins in a tight win over the Sharks, with the fullback’s length of the field try the eventual match winner.
In place of him, Bennett is able to call upon livewire fullback Trai Fuller, who has mightily impressed when presented with first grade opportunities this season.
A win for Melbourne would see them retain their place as the NRL’s outright leaders, while the two points would ensure the Dolphins’ top four position will be in tact by the end of the Round 16.
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Source Agencies
