Melbourne Storm Coach Craig Bellamy has said skipper Cameron Smith is "coming along okay" as he looks to overcome an ankle injury for Sunday's Elimination Final.
"He's coming along okay," Bellamy said prior to training on Thursday afternoon.
"I don't know whether he'll be doing any running at all if he plays but he's still getting plenty of treatment, he's out of the boot now, I'm not quite sure whether that is good or bad.
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"He's been a big focus for our medical team this week, hopefully they're doing a good job."
Bellamy said the decision on Melbourne's number nine would be made later in the week, explaining Smith would not be risked.
"At the end of the day, you can't put him out there and if he can't do his job reasonably well," Bellamy said.
"Hopefully by Saturday we'll make that decision and see what happens from there."
Storm will come up against Des Hasler's Bulldogs in a knockout Elimination Final on Sunday afternoon with Bellamy expecting another tough contest. The coach likened the two sides' most recent meeting in Round 18 to a final.
"That was a pretty top class game to be honest, it was like a semi-final," Bellamy said.
"I know the quality of the defence from both sides was outstanding.
"There will be some aspects that will be similar (to Round 18), I think the ground was a bit sloppy that night, it was pretty wet.
"I think it will be a little bit more open as well because of the conditions."
