Injury robbed Young Tonumaipea of his spot in the side last year but now it appears to have got him back in.
Storm Head Coach Craig Bellamy confirmed on Thursday Tonumaipea would be the man to replace Suliasi Vunivalu on the wing for this Sunday’s clash against Wests Tigers.
Vunivalu has been ruled out for the next 3-4 weeks with a shoulder injury and his absence has paved the way for Tonumaipea’s NRL return.
The Victorian showed impressive form during the 2016 season however was forced to twice surrender his spot in the side due to injury.
Now he has been given the nod to receive another opportunity.
“We are going to go with Young Tonumaipea (on the wing),” Tonumaipea said.
“He has had a really good pre-season, he was very unlucky last year, he got injured at the wrong time when he started playing some very good footy.
“We have a lot of faith in Young and I am sure he will do a good job. Young has earned that right that position.”
Storm will head to Leicchardt Oval to faces a Wests Tigers side that will no doubt be looking to overturn a week that began with the departure of coach Jason Taylor.
Melbourne know they can not control how fired up the opposition are but need to solely focus on what goes on within their own four walls.
“We can’t control what has happened up there,” Bellamy said.
“They are obviously doing what they think is the right thing which is unfortunate for Jason Taylor.
“We can only control what we can control and that is how we train and prepare this week and how we prepare on Sunday. Hopefully we will do both those things well.”
Be there for our next home game at AAMI Park in Round 5, Saturday 1 April at 7:30pm.
