Walters might replace Munster
UNTRIED playmaker Billy Walters has emerged as a possible replacement for Storm and Origin star Cameron Munster.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy will earn every cent of his pay packet this week having to make up to seven forced changes ahead of Thursday night’s clash with St GeorgeIllawarra.
Bellamy has wing and forward options to cover Origin stars including Josh AddoCarr, Dale Finucane, Will Chambers, Felise Kaufusi and Christian Welch but Munster’s absence only compounds the uncertainty around Jahrome Hughes’s availability.
Kiwis international Hughes sat out last Friday night against the Roosters after pulling up with a sore back.
If Hughes gets up for Thursday night’s game it could alleviate Bellamy’s selection quandary, with speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen able to hold the fort at fullback.
Papenhuyzen starred last week, slotting in for Hughes, scoring a try en-route to a game-high 236m in the 14-12 win over premiers Sydney Roosters.
Back-up playmaker Walters, son of Queensland Maroons coach Kevin, has enjoyed a strong season for Storm feeder team East Tigers.
Walters has scored three tries in 11 matches, averaging 106m.
Storm boasts a commanding three-game buffer on top of the NRL ladder going into the final third of the season.
Marion Seve (shoulder) and Sandor Earl, in line to play his 50th NRL game, could be recalled this week.
Selection puzzle aside, Bellamy remains open to tinkering with the HughesPapenhuyzen fullback-bench options.
“While he (Papenhuyzen) is very small for an NRL player he is tough as nails so we know whatever role he plays he will do a good job for us,” Bellamy said.
“We are real happy with those two guys and how they are handling things this season.
“I think Paps will still play that role off the bench when Jahrome plays but that might change.
“What we will do is fit those players into roles that compliment our other players and what we are trying to do.”
Storm recruits Max King and Tongan international Solomone Kata look set to be unveiled in purple this week also after signing with the club before the June 30 deadline.
Kata played 93 matches for the Warriors, while secondrower King made 38 appearances caps for the Titans. Kata travelled with Storm to Adelaide last week.