Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen could miss up to a month of football after sustaining a concussion in the Magic Round.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy confirmed the news after the Storm's 34-10 win over the Raiders last night, which moved them to second on the ladder.
Papenhuyzen's past history with prolonged concussion symptoms has made the Storm cautious around rushing the recovery time.
However, the news comes as a blow for the reigning premiers as Bellamy confirmed Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are unlikely to return before State of Origin.
Storm medical staff talking “3-4 weeks” recovery for Ryan Papenhuyzen after suffering a concussion in Magic Round. Hopefully symptoms settle quickly, has a past history with prolonged concussion symptoms. Also suggestion Grant & Munster won’t be seen before Origin
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 22, 2021
Despite their rising injury list, the Storm has won eight games in a row and average 41 points per game.
In some good news, Bellamy confirmed Jahrome Hughes is likely to return for the clash against the Broncos on Thursday night.
Hughes missed last night's game with a calf injury but is likely to return on Thursday night for the depleted Storm.
Ryley Jacks will also return and Kenny Bromwich is an outside chance to face the Broncos.
Ryan Papenhuyzen will certainly be missed, but the Storm cover for absent players better than any club I can remember. His injury reinforces the stand the NRL have taken against high tackles, and I agree 100% with them.