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The Storm take on the Bulldogs today in Brisbane at 5pm, with a crowd of around 15,000 is expected for the Charity Cup trial.
The match is being hosted by prospective NRL franchise Brisbane Bombers.
The Bombers bid chief Craig Davison believes league fans are crying out for more NRL action in Brisbane saying: “The most important thing is it brings more football to Brisbane.”
“We’re tired of hearing there are only 12 games in Brisbane and 108 in Sydney, it’s about time we had another team and I have no doubt Brisbane will get another team in time.”
The Storm will be bolstered by the return of Test captain Cameron Smith who is believed to be considering a more permanent move to Brisbane, but the return of full-back Billy Slater for this game is under a cloud with speculation that he will be rested.
Exciting rookie Munster, 19, has trained at fullback during the week and Storm coach Craig Bellamy is keen to safeguard Slater if there are any last minute doubts.
Melbourne were shocked on Wednesday after Matt Duffie, the Kiwi winger ruptured his ACL in training for the second time in consecutive years and Bellamy admits he faces a juggling act trying to keep his big three fit and fresh for a premiership tilt.
“If they are injured we will rest them,” Bellamy said ahead of his side’s final pre-season hitout.
Young winger Tonumaipea has been included after a strong showing in Melbourne’s 20-12 loss to Canberra in its first trial as well as a good performance in last weekend’s Auckland Nines tournament.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler said the clash would be a vital a chance for Sam Perrett and Queensland rookie Corey Thompson to vie for the No. 1 jumper vacated by Broncos new acquisition Ben Barba.
Chase Stanley the new Dragons acquisition is expected to start in the centres.
The Bulldogs will be led by captain Michael Ennis and Frank Pritchard, as well as NSW Origin utility Josh Reynolds and prop Sam Kasiano. Ennis is expected to practice not talking to the referees as part of his preparation for round 1.
Coach Hasler has also predicted halfback Trent Hodkinson will deliver the goods, starting against the Storm, after struggling with injuries in recent years.
It will be a test for the Bulldogs coming up against one of the most consistent sides last year , although their trial form trial form this year has been poor.
I am going for the Storm to win a close one.
The Teams
Bulldogs: Mitch Brown, Tim Browne, Greg Eastwood, Michael Ennis, Dale Finucane, James Graham, Jaline Graham, Trent Hodkinson, Krisnan Inu, Josh Jackson, Sam Kasiano, David Klemmer, Moses Mbye, Josh Morris, Ed Murphy, Sam Perrett, Frank Pritchard, Chase Stanley, Corey Thompson, Aiden Tolman, Tony Williams.
Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Will Chambers, Mahe Fonua, Young Tonumaipea, Ben Hampton, Ben Roberts, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Hymel Hunt, Richie Kennar, Joel Romelo, Slade Griffin, Mitch Garbutt, Jordan McLean, Tohu Harris, Felise Kaufusi, Cameron Munster
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