RedZed Report: Round 9

The fortnightly RedZed Report, bringing you updates direct from Storm HQ about our injury list, club news and all things footy.

Injury Update

Ryan Papenhuyzen (shoulder)

Sidelined since: Round 6

Paps has been given another week to recover and will miss our round 9 clash with the Rabbitohs. "He's getting closer but he's still a week away," Football Operations Coordinator Ryan Hoffman said. "Hopefully with a long turnaround he should be right to go for Magic Round."

Brenko Lee (calf)

Sidelined since: March 2021

"Brenko is still three to four weeks away - he did quite a number on his calf," Hoffman said. "He is still in rehab at the moment, he's not running yet."

Max King (achilles)

Sidelined since: January 2021

It has been a long journey for Max, who has started running but is progressing slowly following off-season surgery. No expected return date yet.

Round 9 Preview

Storm face the Rabbitohs for the second time in season 2021 - the two sides met in the NRL season opener in round one, with Melbourne prevailing 26-18 at AAMI Park. 

Both top-four sides, Storm lead the competition in tries (43) and line breaks (55) but the Rabbitohs score an average 29 points a game, making them an ever-present danger at any stage of a match.

The Rabbitohs are without Cameron Murray (ankle), Campbell Graham (hand) and Jaxson Paulo (wrist). There is some hope Adam Reynolds (thumb) may be able to play after avoiding surgery. Star fullback Latrell Mitchell is still two weeks away with suspension.

For Melbourne, both Nelson Asofa-Solomona and George Jennings are set to return from concussion.

Club News

Young talent signs

Sua Fa’alogo has signed a three-year contract with Melbourne Storm from 2022 until the end of the 2024 season. The 18-year-old currently plays at fullback for the Victorian Thunderbolts U21 squad.

"Sua is an exceptional young talent and his speed, footwork and strength has seen him become one of the standout players of the SG Ball competition last season," Recruitment Officer and Pathways Manager Tim Glasby said.

"Most importantly, he has a very good work ethic and a great attitude. He wants to work hard and improve his game."

Membership record fast approaching

We're getting closer to our all-time membership record, with almost 25,000 members signed up for season 2021.

Be part of our record-breaking membership year as we chase back-to-back premierships. Join Your Storm here.