Melbourne Storm’s Will Warbrick Sidelined with Hip Strain, Return Uncertain

The Melbourne Storm have announced that star winger Will Warbrick has sustained a hip strain. The injury occurred during the Storm’s Round 12 defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles prior to their Round 13 bye. The hip strain is significant enough to sideline the former New Zealand rugby sevens international for this weekend’s clash against the Newcastle Knights.

Adding to the Storm’s woes, there is no certainty about Warbrick’s return for Round 15. The club stated they will monitor his progress next week before deciding if he can join the team for their trip to Auckland to face the New Zealand Warriors.

Currently leading the NRL ladder, the Storm have slotted Grant Anderson into the starting lineup on the wing in place of Warbrick, with Bronson Garlick stepping in as the new bench utility. Anderson’s assignment on the wing might have been unnecessary if Ryan Papenhuyzen were fit; however, with the star fullback out, Sua Fa’alogo has been filling in at the number-one jersey for coach Craig Bellamy’s squad.

Melbourne will also need to evaluate Harry Grant’s availability for the game against Newcastle. The star hooker played for Queensland in the State of Origin on Wednesday night and could be asked to back up just four days later.

Warbrick’s absence is a significant setback for the Storm, as he has been in excellent form this season, scoring five tries and averaging 129 metres per game.