Final round an 'audition' for bench places, says Bellamy
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy appears set on starting side for the NRL finals but bench roles could be up for grabs in Friday night's final-round clash with North Queensland at AAMI Park.
Bellamy will rest star five-eighth Cameron Munster (shoulder) and is tipped to sit at least a couple of regulars ahead of the qualifying final at AAMI Park next weekend.
But the Storm's bench players always have a vital role and due to the season-ending injury to Christian Welch (knee) and the promotion of Ryan Papenhuyzen to the starting full-back role, at least two bench spots look uncertain.
Utility forward Brandon Smith looks a lock for one spot while Fijian forward Tui Kamikamica, who missed last round with an upper-arm injury, is another who appears a good bet to play.
The remaining two places look uncertain, with newcomer Max King doing well in recent weeks, powerful forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui a natural ball-runner, Tom Eisenhuth making a case due to his versatility up front and utility forward Joe Stimson returning from suspension.
Bellamy could also opt to bring a back line player in his 17th spot, such as Curtis Scott, but that looks less likely.
"There is still a bit of an audition," Bellamy said on Tuesday when asked about the bench spots.
"Christian's injury put a bit of a hole in us. Tui has come in and done a great job, Brandon has done a great job, in the last couple of weeks he has come back from that ankle injury and got back to where he was.
"We have been able to get a couple of younger guys in there too. Tino has had three or four games, Max King has been really good for us as he has a good work ethic and fits in well.
"The last couple of weeks there is a few things he has shown us that we really like so he will be pushing really hard for that 17.
"We wanted Joey Stimson to get a bit more time [in the Queensland Cup] a few weeks ago and he unfortunately got a one-week suspension so I'm pretty sure he will be back in the squad this week.
"I wouldn't say we have settled on what we want for that first week of finals but I don't want to think too far ahead."
Bellamy said he expected half-back Brodie Croft would come in for Munster for this game but it appears the coach will be sticking with Jahrome Hughes at half-back and Papenhuyzen at full-back considering their strong form since moving to those roles two games ago.
The Storm coach won't let his side look beyond this week despite them having the minor premiership locked in. The JJ Giltinan shield will be presented to the Storm after Friday night's game.
Unless a number of injuries flare up, Bellamy said he wouldn't be making mass changes to his side as he wants to maintain momentum going into the finals.
"We don't go out there and put a handbrake on just because there is a big game the week after," Bellamy said.
"I'd like to think our players have a lot of pride in what they do every time they put on a Storm jumper."
As Munster sits out, his coach admitted the star playmaker's pranks have got the better of him in recent weeks.
Last weekend Munster pinched Bellamy's bag when they arrived at the team hotel.
"I feel like I'm going to punch him in the nose sometimes," Bellamy said with a laugh.
"It was at the hotel that he knocked my bag off and I was just in a rush so wasn't so happy.
"At least I know he's an idiot and we can go from there."
The Storm face Cowboys at AAMI Park on Friday at 7.55pm.