Melbourne will be without injured stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant for at least two weeks, putting a question mark on their availability for game one of the State of Origin series early next month.
Five-eighth Munster (foot sprain) and hooker Grant (hamstring) have been ruled out of Magic Round this weekend and the round 11 trip to Canberra after having their injuries confirmed by scans.
Munster suffered the sprain in the big win over South Sydney last Thursday night, while Grant tore his hamstring at training on Monday.
Melbourne at least have superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (shoulder) available to face St George Illawarra on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, although they have only included him on an extended bench, with Nicho Hynes at the back.
With their other starting hooker Brandon Smith missing the match after accepting a one-game ban for a shoulder charge, Kenny Bromwich has been named to wear the No.9 jersey.
Melbourne have named Ryley Jacks to partner Jahrome Hughes in the halves
Queensland will be sweating on Munster and Grant being available for the opening Origin clash at the MCG on June 9 with Storm football general manager Frank Ponissi convinced they would be right to play.
He hoped to have Munster and Grant back for Melbourne's Indigenous round match against Brisbane later this month.
"That would be best-case scenario for both Cameron and Harry," Ponissi said in a statement.
"If that doesn't happen we expect they would both be OK for the opening State of Origin match in Melbourne."
