Star Melbourne playmaker Cameron Munster is yet to fully test his injured shoulder but coach Craig Bellamy remains confident he will play in Saturday’s NRL qualifying final against Canberra.
On the advice of the club’s medical staff Munster hasn’t completed all of the team drills at training.
Munster missed Melbourne’s final round win over North Queensland after injuring the shoulder in a monster tackle by Manly’s Jorge Taufua in the previous match.
Bellamy says the Queensland five-eighth won’t play at AAMI Park unless he’s 100 per cent.
“He didn’t do all the session but he did what the medical staff wanted him to do, so we’re pretty confident he’s going to be playing,” Bellamy said on Wednesday.
“But he needs to get through another couple of sessions yet.
“We’re not going to play him if it’s going to affect him at all.”
If he does play with a preliminary final berth up for grabs, Melbourne expect Munster to come in for some special attention from the Raiders’ big forwards.
“That’s the way the game is, but Cameron will be ready to go if he plays.”
The Storm lost their round 22 clash at AAMI Park after holding an 18-0 lead so expect that Canberra will fancy their chances of another upset against the minor premiers.
“They controlled the second half really well and had a lot more of the ball and a lot more field position so that’s one thing we will have to do better,” Bellamy said.
“They are a very good defensive side and with the ball they probably do a few things that are unexpected so they can catch you on the hop so we need to be expecting anything.”