PAPS RULED OUT OF ORIGIN I
MELBOURNE fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been scratched from the opening State of Origin game after scans confirmed he would miss up to six weeks with knee and hamstring injuries.
The Storm also confirmed Marion Seve was set to come into the side for their blockbuster against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night after they were granted an exemption by the NRL.
Papenhuyzen’s loss is a huge blow to the Storm and NSW after scans confirmed damage to the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee, as well as a hamstring tear.
At best, Papenhuyzen could come back in four weeks. Either way, he will miss the opening Origin game.
Seve, meanwhile, is set to come into the centres after scans revealed Reimis Smith would need surgery on a ruptured pectoral muscle.
Seve is on a development contract with the Storm but the club requested dispensation to select him this week following an injury crisis that has tested their backline depth.
The Samoan has played 21 games for the Storm.