Jahrome Hughes out as Storm count cost of Panthers victory

The Melbourne Storm may have claimed bragging rights in a bruising NRL grand final rematch against Penrith, but the victory came at a steep cost with three key players sidelined through injury.

Halfback Jahrome Hughes suffered a broken hand in a heavy collision with Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary and will miss two weeks.

Meanwhile, centre Nick Meaney faces up to six weeks out after fracturing his cheekbone in an accidental clash of heads with teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who also exited the match with a concussion.

Despite the carnage, there was some relief for Melbourne Storm fans as Cameron Munster escaped suspension after being placed on report for a hip-drop tackle, and Ryan Papenhuyzen was cleared of serious damage after battling on with a sore ankle to score a late try.

Winger Grant Anderson also appeared in discomfort after a knee knock but avoided significant injury.

Coach Craig Bellamy praised super sub Tyran Wishart for stepping up with a crucial late try, while he lauded Asofa-Solomona’s aggression in his first game back from suspension, despite some early rust.

The battered Storm now face a nervous wait on player availability ahead of next week’s clash with the Dragons.

Top NRL bookmakers still have them as short-priced favourites at $1.43 heading into the Round 4 clash, with the Dragons at $2.83 for the upset.

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