Craig Bellamy has made several changes to Storm's line-up to take on Penrith, including Victorian debutant Richie Kennar for Saturday night's fixture.
The 20-year old Kennar will become the third Victorian to represent Melbourne Storm, following on from the exploits of Mahe Fonua and Young Tonumaipea.
In his second season on Melbourne's first-grade squad, Kennar has been rewarded for his strong performances in Queensland's Intrust Super Cup with Storm feeder club Easts Tigers. The youngster has progressed through the Club's development system, playing for Storm's U18 and U20 sides before graduating onto the Club's NRL list ahead of the 2014 season.
Fullback Billy Slater, interchange forward Dayne Weston and centre Kurt Mann will all miss Saturday night's clash with the Panthers.
Slater was close to playing after missing last round's loss to the Roosters, however a decision was made on Friday as the Club continues to manage the number one through the Origin period. Young fullback Cameron Munster comes into the side to replace the number one.
Weston will miss the clash with a torn bicep. After receiving positive news from the surgeon in recent days, the Club is optimistic the injury will not be season ending.
With Mann sitting out the contest, a backline re-shuffle has been required with Tohu Harris moving into the centres and debutant Kennar taking his place on the wing.
Front-rower Jordan McLean returns from a hamstring injury while Christian Welch has also been included on the interchange bench for his second NRL match.
As was announced earlier in the week, winger Marika Koroibete will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a fractured thumb.
NRL
Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers
Saturday 6 June, 7:30pm
Pepper Stadium
21. Cameron Munster
2. Mahe Fonua
3. William Chambers
12. Tohu Harris
24. Richie Kennar
6. Blake Green
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith (c)
23. Jordan McLean
11. Kevin Proctor
10. Tim Glasby
13. Dale Finucane
14. Ryan Hinchcliffe
15. Kenny Bromwich
17. Felise Kaufusi
18. Christian Welch
Get to AAMI Park on Monday 15 June when Storm host the Eels. It's Monday mates night! Get your 2-for-1 tickets, food & drink offers.
