Get an insight into the progress of Melbourne Storm's rehab group throughout the 2023 pre-season so far.
Ryan Papenhuyzen
Injury: Fractured kneecap
Expected return: Round 1
Papenhuyzen is working on a program to develop strength and power in his right leg after suffering multiple fractures in his kneecap against the Raiders in July. He won’t return to the main group until the New Year.
Christian Welch
Injury: Achilles
Expected return: Round 1
After missing almost the entire 2022 season, the front-rower is tracking well to be available for the season opener against Parramatta. He is expected to return to full training in January.
“I’m slowly integrating back into the skills. It’s been really good to be back out there with the guys. It’s been a long time,” Welch said. “Hopefully by January I’ll be full noise.”
Xavier Coates
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return: Round 1
The Origin winger suffered a torn hamstring in training for PNG prior to the Rugby League World Cup. He is on a modified program and will progress through to full training in the New Year.
Tom Eisenhuth
Injury: Syndesmosis
Expected return: Round 1
The utility forward has returned to full training with the NRL squad after sustaining a grade three syndesmosis injury against the Roosters at the end of August.
Dean Ieremia
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return: Round 1
The winger has returned to full training with the NRL squad after missing the final weeks of the season.
George Jennings
Injury: ACL
Expected return: Round 1
After sustaining a torn ACL in round one in 2022, the winger has progressed well through his rehab work. He remains on a modified program but should be available for the pre-season trials.
Reimis Smith
Injury: Pec tear
Expected return: Round 1
The centre is progressing into skills training but is limited in his contact work.
Tyran Wishart
Injury: Syndesmosis
Expected return: Round 1
Storm’s 2022 Rookie of the Year is back in full training after missing the final month of the 2022 season after sustaining a syndesmosis injury against the Broncos in Brisbane.
