LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a much-anticipated return, the Melbourne Storm welcomed back their superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen after a lengthy absence.
Papenhuyzen, who had been out of action for over a year due to a fractured kneecap, made his comeback in the NRL on Saturday.
Despite his long layoff, he looked in fine form and came through the game unscathed.
However, the Storm's joy was short-lived as they suffered a major blow with halfback Jahrome Hughes picking up a potentially serious knee injury.
Hughes had to be helped off the field late in the Storm's 37-18 victory and was seen wearing a knee brace after the game.
The initial diagnosis for Hughes is a medial strain, but there are concerns that it could be more than just a minor injury.
NRL Physio Brien Seeney warned that anything more than a grade one injury would require an extended period of absence, which would be detrimental to Melbourne's finals campaign.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy expressed doubts about Hughes' availability for their final-round clash against Brisbane, citing the short five-day turnaround.
While he remains hopeful that Hughes will be back for the playoffs, it seems unlikely that he will feature in the upcoming match.
"It looks like he's got a slight medial, they don't think it's too bad but I wouldn't imagine he will play next week as it's a five-day turnaround," Bellamy said.
"He will go for a scan tomorrow ...
given how he feels now I don't think they think it's a whole heap of damage but I couldn't imagine him playing next week."
The loss of Hughes would be a significant blow for the Storm, as he has been a key playmaker for them this season.
His absence would put added pressure on the team's other playmakers to step up and fill the void.
Despite the setback, the Storm will be relieved to have Papenhuyzen back on the field.
His return adds a dynamic and explosive element to their attack, and his presence will be crucial in the finals.
As the Storm prepare for their final regular-season game and the start of the playoffs, they will be hoping for positive news regarding Hughes' injury.
The extent of his injury and the timeline for his return will have a major impact on Melbourne's chances of success in the finals.