Bellamy relieved at injury news

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is relieved that injuries suffered by Beau Champion and Chase Stanley in Saturday’s trial with Brisbane are not serious.

Champion picked up a calf injury during the warm-up while Stanley limped off with a dead leg, but both could be available for the NRL‘s opening round.

“I don’t think there’s anything there too serious, I don’t think we’re talking anything three, four or five weeks,” said Bellamy.

“But they’re all going to be really touch and go for that first game.

“It’s probably likely we’ll go in with a couple out, but hopefully they get better a bit quicker than the medical staff think.”

The news on Sika Manu, who was forced off with a knee injury during the Storm’s 28-6 loss to the Broncos, is less encouraging however.

The Kiwi back-rower suffered a suspected ligament injury and has already been ruled out of the season opener with Manly on March 12.

“Chase is probably the best chance of them to be playing, but I think Sika’s going to struggle with that knee injury,” added Bellamy.

“It’s a body contact sport and injuries happen. We certainly didn’t want these injuries to happen and we didn’t want them to happen together but they have so we’ll have to adapt and I’m sure we’ll find someone to put in and take their place.”

Billy Slater, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, could also miss the clash with the Sea Eagles at AAMI Park.