PAPUA New Guinea internationals Justin Olam and Xavier Coates headline a number of star players that will return to bolster the Melbourne Storm line-up when they take on the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Olam suffered a fractured forearm in the preseason match against the Sydney Roosters in Geelong last month, and was expected to return in round 6.
However, the powerhouse centre’s quick recovery will boost coach Craig Bellamy’s side, desperate for a win following their 12-26 loss to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs last week.
Young Tonumaipea, who stood in for Olam in the last two games, was dropped to the reserve list for the National Rugby League (NRL) round 3 clash.
This will be Olam’s 88th NRL game and the 2021 Dally M centre of the year will eye his 100th milestone this year if the stays injury free.
Fellow Kumul Coates makes his return on the wing after missing last week’s clash against the Bulldogs after hurting his shoulder in round 1. Coates was expected to be sidelined for two weeks after suffering a sprain to a SC joint in attempting to make a tackle.
Other players returning from injury are Fijian internationals Tui Kamikamica (foot) and fellow forward Tariq Sims (calf).
The quartet will all need final clearances by Friday to take their place in the team.
Youngster Jonah Pezet makes his NRL debut off the bench while prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona faces 6-8 weeks out with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast and Melbourne clash for the 26th time in NRL history after both sides suffered losses in round 2 following first-up wins to open the season.
News source www.thenational.com.pg
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