Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant under injury clouds after Ryan Papenhuyzen's long-awaited NRL return
The Storm registered a 37-16 win over the Titans in Melbourne in Ryan Papenhuyzen's first NRL game in 405 days, but they have fresh injury concerns to deal with regarding Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant.
Hughes limped off the paddock with just under 10 minutes remaining in Saturday's match and was seen with an ice pack wrapped around his right knee as he sat on the bench.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said it was believed the Melbourne halfback had suffered a minor medial strain and admitted he might not be ready to back up against the Broncos in Brisbane next Thursday night, which would require tackling a five-day turnaround.
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While Grant played the entire match, the Queensland State of Origin hooker is also in doubt for the Broncos clash after he emerged from a tackle clutching at his left shoulder and grimacing.
Grant hurt his shoulder in a tackle on Klese Haas a couple of minutes before Hughes left the field.
Jahrome Hughes runs the footy in the Storm's clash with the Titans. Getty Images
The timing of the injury worries is troubling with the Storm just two weeks away from beginning another finals campaign.
"I don't think they think there's a whole heap of damage, but I couldn't imagine him playing next week with a five-day turnaround," Bellamy said of Hughes in his press conference.
"We'll check that," he said of Grant's shoulder concern.
"Again, I don't think that's too serious.
"But like I say, with that five-day turnaround you'd rather have a few more days for him to recover."
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In his first NRL match since round 18 of last season, Papenhuyzen was substituted on in the 62nd minute.
The Melbourne faithful let out a roar when he charged on and showed their love of the superstar fullback every time he touched the ball.
Melbourne guaranteed itself a top-four finish as Xavier Coates bagged a hat-trick.
