Ryan Papenhuyzen is a chance of playing in Melbourne's final game of the NRL regular season after scans cleared the luckless fullback of a serious leg injury.
Papenhuyzen lasted less than 15 minutes in Thursday's 38-30 loss to North Queensland in Townsville, pulled from the game after grabbing at his leg following a scramble to bring the ball out of his in-goal area.
But the 26-year-old cut a relaxed figure on the bench in the second half and scans later revealed he had suffered bone bruising.
He will be monitored ahead of next Thursday's clash against Brisbane, with Sua Fa'alogo the obvious replacement option if Papenhuyzen is put on ice.
"Our medical staff will see how the issue settles over the next few days before making a decision on whether he plays against the Broncos next Thursday night," said Storm director of football Frank Ponissi.
Papenhuyzen has endured a horror stretch of serious injuries that began with a 2021 concussion and was followed by a hamstring tear, fractured kneecap and fractured ankle.
But coach Craig Bellamy was optimistic after his injury on Thursday night.
"Medical staff don't seem to think it's too bad," he said.
"Don't know whether it's a cork or he's done something to that (leg).
"We'll see when he has a scan how bad it is, but they don't think it's too bad."
Marion Seve (ankle) was another casualty in the first half after his leg was caught in a tackle as he unsuccessfully reached to score a try.
With the minor premiership secured and only a five-day break between games Bellamy rested 11 players for the trip north.
They still pushed the Cowboys, versatile back Tyran Wishart arguably the best on ground as he caused havoc from dummy half.
Wishart launched an early 40-20 and scored twice to underline his value in the Storm's premiership charge and make it difficult to tell what his best position was.
"Good question," Bellamy said.
"He can play basically anywhere and he's proven that. Mainly he sees himself in the halves or fullback.
"He's just so valuable ... and to play like he did, most of it at dummy half, goes to show what type of player he is.
"He always does the right thing by the team, fits to what the plan is."
Bellamy confirmed he would pick his strongest team for the final-round clash against Brisbane, who need to win both their remaining games to be any chance of finishing in the top eight.
