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The Melbourne Storm look set to be without Cooper Johns for round one of the new NRL season after he picked up an injury in Sunday's trial clash with Newcastle.
The Storm are priced at 2/1 to reach the 2022 NRL grand final but they could be struggling to get a team out in round one as the injuries continue to stack up for coach Craig Bellamy.
Bellamy has yet to lose a round-one clash since taking over the Storm way back in 2003 but he could be set for his biggest test yet when they face the Wests Tigers on 12th March.
Bellamy is already without star trio Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant, who are all suspended, while Ryan Papenhuyzen is also battling a footy injury and could miss out.
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Just to add to Bellamy's selection headache Johns can now be added to the absentee list after leaving the ground on Sunday with his arm in a sling.
Not only that, new signing from the Broncos, Xavier Coates had to leave the action after taking a knock to the head.
Melbourne won the game against the Knights 24-10 but Bellamy was more concerned by the fact he could be struggling to get a side on the pitch in round one.
"It's obviously a bit of a concern for us; we're not quite sure what we're going to do now," Bellamy told reporters after the game.
"We will look at it this week and try and make a decision and train with whatever decision we make. It doesn't look like Cooper is going to be ready for round one."
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