Storm fullback Nick Meaney delivered a mammoth performance against the Roosters, and with Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return looming coach Craig Bellamy could have a headache on his hands.
Papenhuyzen suffered a shattered kneecap in July last year during a tackle with Raiders star Jack Wighton.
The 24-year-old travelled to the United States in the off-season to rehab the injury with renowned specialist Bill Knowles, who also worked with Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell.
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While a return date is yet to be confirmed for the gun fullback, Meaney has delivered in his absence and ran riot against the Tricolours.
Despite being sidelined for 15 minutes with a HIA, the former Bulldog recorded a try, two try assists and 103 running metres in only 65 minutes on the field.
Bellamy made it clear Meaney will remain in the Storm’s starting side when Papenhuyzen returns.
“I haven’t though about it to be honest, still not quite sure when Paps (Papenhuyzen) is going to be back,” Bellamy said in the post-match press conference.
“I am pretty sure we will find a spot for Nick there somewhere, he’s been one of our most consistent players all year and I thought his first half tonight was outstanding.
“So it will be a nice problem to have, but it’s not a problem at the moment.”
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Meanwhile, Melbourne’s star-studded spine of Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant all stood tall to down Trent Robinson’s side.
They trio last took the field together in Round 1 before a finger injury and suspension saw both Munster and Hughes sidelined.
Melbourne captain Christian Welch said his side have “strike power everywhere” when their spine is fit and firing.
“I think, Munster on our left, Hughes on our right, Harry playing through the middle,” Welch said.
“We just have got to complete and build pressure and those guys can come out and make some plays, as we saw tonight those guys are quality players and they are world class.
“So it is really exciting seeing them gel and we had a bit of a disrupted start to the season, but it’s really exciting for the club.”
The Storm now sit on a three-game winning streak, besting the Tigers, Rabbitohs and Roosters on Thursday night.
