Storm star set to miss Titans after ugly Origin outing
Skipper Harry Grant is set to sit out Melbourne's NRL clash with Gold Coast after his State of Origin shocker.
The star hooker was the only member of the Storm's Origin contingent to return to Melbourne from Brisbane, given Saturday's clash is a Titans home game at Cbus Super Stadium.
Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu all remained in Queensland, with Melbourne players joining them later on Friday.
Despite flying home Grant was a notable absence from their captain's run.
He went into Origin I on Wednesday night with just 55 minutes game time in six weeks under his belt due a hamstring injury, and turned in his worst ever performance as Queensland lost 18-6.
With Bellamy on the NSW coaching staff, the Blues forwards targeted the 27-year-old, forcing him into 43 tackles which emptied his fuel tank, with Grant making only five runs for 23 metres.
Bellamy was cagey about his captain facing the Titans before conceding it was unlikely.
"Obviously he (Grant) hasn't played much footy," Bellamy said Friday.
"He's OK physically ... like the others, he's disappointed in the result as you would be.
"He seems OK this morning, I haven't ruled him out at the moment but he's probably doubtful, to be quite honest, especially with the amount of footy he hasn't played.
"We're just trying to do what we think is best for tomorrow afternoon but also do what's right by the players too.
"We'll see how they are when we get up there ... see how they're feeling."
Burly centre Jack Howarth could make a return from six weeks out with a shoulder dislocation after being named in the reserves.
The youngster didn't look restricted by the injury but Bellamy said he hadn't done a lot of contact work.
"He's (Howarth) got through most of the training without doing a whole heap of contact this week so it's another step up for him today."
When Bellamy was the head NSW Origin coach from 2008-10 he spoke of discomfort plotting against his Storm players, including Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.
But taking on an advisory role to coach Laurie Daley rather than calling the shots, Bellamy said he "really enjoyed" the return to the Blues' box.
"I wasn't in the camp the whole time ... it's obviously enjoyable when you get the win, they're a really good group of guys, staff and players."
Both the Storm (fourth) and Titans (16th) are coming off the bye, with Melbourne looking for some consistency after trading wins and losses in the past six rounds.
Bellamy said Gold Coast, who have the worst defensive record in the competition, had plenty of strike power.
"They probably haven't got the results that they want and they've lost a few close games," he said.
"They've come back a couple of times and won close games as well so they've certainly got some guys who can run the footy really well.
"We just need to make sure we're aware of that tomorrow night and make sure our defence is up to scratch."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
AFL Round 12 live blog: Gold Coast vs Fremantle, GWS vs Richmond, Sydney vs Adelaide
The Dockers travel to the Gold Coast looking to break into the top eight with a win over the high-flying Suns to kick off Saturday's AFL football. The visitors welcome back former skipper Nat Fyfe after a long absence as they take on a Gold Coast line-up that can go second — at least temporarily — if they get the points at Carrara. Later this afternoon, GWS hosts Richmond at Sydney Showground before the struggling Swans have a must-win game against the Crows tonight at the SCG. Follow all the action in our live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Knights blast 'ridiculous' draw as hefty ban looms for prop
Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Knights blast 'ridiculous' draw as ban looms for prop
Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their last 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their last 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their last 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline."
