Late Mail: Blake Taaffe is in doubt for Friday’s match after rolling his ankle at Souths training. The youngster, who was due to start in place of the suspended Latrell Mitchell, was unable to finish training. Should he be ruled out then Alex Johnston could shift with Josh Mansour moving to the wing.
Late Mail: Prop Jesse Browmich is out after being confirmed as a close contact of a Covid case, according to a Storm statement. “Jesse is deemed as a close contact after a member of his family tested positive to COVID,” the statement read. “He will be in isolation until next Wednesday.” It’s another blow for Craig Bellamy who has yet to lose a round one match as coach in the NRL. Nelson Asofa-Solomona will likely start with Tepai Moeroa coming into the squad. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named to return from an ankle injury that saw him miss the trials. However, he will have to get through Friday’s training session to play. If he is ruled out Nick Meaney will likely shift to fullback with Jayden Nikorima coming in at five-eighth forcing a bench reshuffle.
Late Mail: Five-eighth AJ Brimson is in doubt for Round 1 after picking up a few niggles in the pre-season, according to Channel 7’s Mitchell Kroehn. If Brimson is ruled out, Will Smith will start at five-eighth with Tanah Boyd joining the bench from the reserves.