Injury Update: Round 6 v Warriors

Melbourne Storm will welcome Jack Howarth and Moses Leo back into the starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with the Warriors, while Shawn Blore and Ativalu Lisati edge closer to an NRL return.

Speaking at training on Wednesday, Director of Football Frank Ponissi provided an injury update ahead of the Round 6 blockbuster at AAMI Park.

“It’s incredibly pleasing to have Jack (hip) and Moses (concussion) back,” Ponissi said.

“We’re light on in our outside backs, so getting players of their quality back is really important.”

Shawn Blore is also progressing well from an ankle injury after strong minutes in NSW Cup.

“Shawn had a disrupted pre-season with limited time training with the NRL squad,” Ponissi said.

“He returned for NSW Cup in Round 2 but lasted only 60 seconds, which set him back again. It was great to see him play 80 minutes last week against the Panthers in NSW Cup.

“We think another game at reserve grade this weekend will be important ahead of putting his hand up for selection for Round 7 against the Raiders."

Ativalu Lisati is continuing his recovery from a calf injury and is expected to return in the coming weeks.

“Valu had a great start to the season, so it was tough to see him go down,” Ponissi said.

“We’re hoping to have him back in the next two to three weeks to boost our forward pack."

Marion Seve will be sidelined long-term after re-rupturing his tricep at training this week.

“Maz had been progressing well in his return from tricep surgery, but unfortunately suffered a freak injury during Monday’s warm-up, re-rupturing his tricep. Unfortunately, he will be sidelined for an extended period.”

Winger Xavier Coates remains on track in his recovery from pre-season Achilles surgery.

“Xav is ticking all the boxes in his recovery and doing everything he needs to do to get back, working with our medical and rehab staff,” Ponissi said.

“We won’t rush Xav given how important he is to our team, but we're confident he is progressing as planned."

Ponissi also provided an update on Tui Kamikamica following his medical episode last week.

“Tui is recovering well in a rehab centre and is expected to return home in the next 24-48 hours, which is great news for him and his family,” Ponissi said.

“He will play again, we just don’t know when that will be. Given the nature of his injury, it’s not something we’ll rush, but we’re looking forward to having him back at the Club to continue his recovery with our medical staff."