Bellamy can’t recall darker Storm in terms of club’s injury crisis

MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy says he can’t remember a season where so many of his troops have gone down injured as his undermanned side prepares for a daunting trip to the Sutherland Shire to take on Cronulla.

Right centre Reimis Smith is the latest big-name player to be ruled out for the season after he aggravated the pectoral muscle that he hurt against the Dragons back in round 9.

“That’s not what we needed or what we wanted, and certainly not what Reimis was after,” Bellamy said.

“He’s worked pretty hard to get back and he was probably only a week or two from getting back into training.

“For that to happen again isn’t ideal for him or for us.

“I’m not quite sure what to say there because he’s distraught.

“He’s worked ultra-hard, but it’s come to nothing now.”

Losing a guy like Smith is a huge blow to the Storm’s rightedge defence, given winger Xavier Coates (ankle) is out until round 22.

Back-rower Felise Kaufusi is on personal leave to be with his ill father in America.

That edge was exposed against the Sea Eagles last week, with Manly running in three tries down that channel.

The inexperienced combination of Grant Anderson and Marion Seve will now have to contend with the red-hot Sharks, who had plenty of success down that side of the field when they played earlier in the year.

Melbourne’s strength over the years has been its defence, but they have conceded the most points out of the top-four sides, even though the Panthers and Cowboys have played an extra game compared to the Storm.

There have been excuses, and it’s hard to ignore their growing injury list. Christian Welch and George Jennings suffered season-ending injuries in round 1, Tepai Moeroa is still at least a week away and Trent Loiero is out indefinitely with a back issue.

And last season’s minor premiers will also be without Origin stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant for Thursday’s clash, although Bellamy is confident they will both be fit to return to club duties next week.

“I can’t remember the last time we’ve had as many injuries as we’ve had,” Bellamy said.

“If someone gets injured then someone else gets a chance, and that’s what we’re looking at this week.”