Star Melbourne playmaker Cameron Munster is back running and is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a serious groin injury.
Munster was expected to be sidelined for another six weeks after suffering a tear in an adductor tendon at Magic Round four weeks ago.
With the injury ruling the Queensland ace out of the entire State of Origin series, the prognosis was that he didn't require surgery and was expected to return in time for the NRL finals.
In a welcome sight on Thursday for Storm fans, Munster completed run-throughs away from the main group ahead of Melbourne's round-16 clash with the Dolphins in Brisbane on Friday night.
He wasn't at top pace but looked comfortable in his repeat efforts.
Coach Craig Bellamy confirmed his first-choice five-eighth was tracking well to return to the side.
While offering no definite return date, Munster could take on the Sydney Roosters in round 20 at AAMI Park, although Bellamy stressed he wouldn't be rushed given he'd carried a groin injury for the past year.
"He is going along pretty well to what the early diagnosis was in the first place," Bellamy said of the 29-year-old.
"He’s probably a little bit ahead of that, but we’re not going to push him because he’s only played four or five games this year, so we’re not going to put him back in until he’s ready.
"I think he’s progressing pretty well, so hopefully it’ll be a bit sooner rather than later that he’ll be available for selection."
Munster's position has been ably covered by Tyran Wishart, whose combination in the halves with Jahrome Hughes has continued to flourish.
Sitting on top of the table, Melbourne face a Dolphins outfit looking to claim another top-four scalp after they shocked Cronulla at home last round.
