Melbourne Storm captain Harry Grant is expected to be among several key players rested for their trip to Townsville, following Melbourne’s early clinching of the NRL minor premiership with two games to spare. The Storm secured the top spot on the ladder after a commanding 48-6 victory over the Dolphins, and with Penrith’s surprising loss to Canberra, the minor premiership was confirmed.
Coach Craig Bellamy plans to rest several players for the upcoming match against the Cowboys on Thursday night, as well as potentially for their final regular-season game against the Broncos. Bellamy emphasized that the early minor premiership win has altered his approach for the final rounds. With a five-day turnaround before the long trip to Townsville and facing a team coming off a bye, Bellamy believes resting players is a necessary strategy.
Although Bellamy acknowledges the potential drawbacks of resting players, including a lack of continuity, he is prioritizing player health and minimizing injury risks. He indicated that while some regulars like Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen may play, others, such as Grant, Jahrome Hughes, and Harry Grant, are likely to be rested.
Bellamy praised his team’s performance against the Dolphins, which earned them their sixth minor premiership in 14 years and their first since 2021. He believes the minor premiership deserves more recognition, as it signifies being the best team throughout the entire season. However, he noted that the focus will soon shift to the finals as the team aims to perform well in the postseason.
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