Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will have a battle on his hands to continue his perfect NRL round one record with injuries continuing to mount at the Storm.
The competition heavyweights returned to the winner's circle with a 24-10 win over Newcastle in their final pre-season hit-out at Ballarat's Mars Stadium on Sunday.
But it came at a cost with playmaker Cooper Johns leaving the ground in a sling while star recruit Xavier Coates was forced off the field after a head knock.
The Knights also lost Bradman Best but the try-scoring centre confirmed post-match his knee injury wasn't serious.
Bellamy hasn't lost an opening round match since taking over the Storm in 2003 but this may be his biggest challenge.
Already without Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant for round one through suspension, and likely star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen with a foot injury, the Storm could ill afford to lose any more cattle.
Johns, who was a late withdrawal from their first trial loss to the Warriors with a calf injury, hurt his shoulder in a collision early in the half.
The Storm said it had been diagnosed as a AC joint injury, leaving the 22-year-old racing the clock to be ready for their March 12 round one clash with Wests Tigers.
Munster came off the bench to cover the loss of Johns and again looked sharp after a big pre-season which followed his time in an alcohol rehabilitation facility.
He also relished a short stint at fullback with Nick Meaney getting some time at No.6.
Jayden Nikorima is another option, coming off the bench to score the Storm's fourth and final try.
"It's obviously a bit of a concern for us; we're not quite sure what we're going to do now," Bellamy said.
"We will look at it this week and try and make a decision and train with whatever decision we make.
"It doesn't look like Cooper is going to be ready for round one."
Melbourne look more certain about Tyrone Wishart covering at hooker in the absence of Smith and Grant.
The son of former Illawarra Steelers star Rod Wishart, Tyrone showed his pace to combine with Munster for a four-pointer.
Bellamy said he had spent time with Knights great Danny Buderus to try to fast-track his learning of the No.9 role.
"He's a terrific young kid, a really hard worker and like his dad as tough as nails," Bellamy said.
"I thought he was a little bit better than last week and hopefully he will be even better next week.
"It looks like he will fill that position."
