Melbourne expect to be boosted by the return of maverick playmaker Cameron Munster and wrecking ball prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona within the next fortnight.
Munster (groin) and Asofa-Solomona (hamstring) have both missed the Storm’s opening two games of the season due to injury but Craig Bellamy’s side have thrived without them, seeing off premiers Penrith and sealing a dramatic late win over the Warriors.
Before next week’s bye, Melbourne travel to Newcastle on Sunday with Munster and Asofa-Solomona still unavailable.
But Storm football manager Frank Ponissi expects the duo to be back on deck for their home meeting with Brisbane in round five.
"Cameron is getting closer and with the bye next week we’re hopeful he’ll be back for that Broncos game," Ponissi told the Storm’s website.
"Nelson, if he gets through all of this week, may play in State Cup and that’s a decision we’ll make on Friday.
"But he’s looking very close to playing but we want some minutes under his belt with one of our feeder teams."
In New Zealand, Warriors coach Andrew Webster expects injured hooker Wayde Egan (elbow) to start against Canberra after a promising training effort on Wednesday.
Egan has been named for Friday’s clash after missing their nail-biting loss to Melbourne last weekend.
"We'll give him every chance. He's a lot better than he was, in training today," Webster said.
"We’ll know more, we won’t give away too many secrets but he’s a step closer to this weekend."
The Warriors could be set for a double-boost next weekend, Webster declaring fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (hamstring) and second-rower Marata Niukore (foot) were both "very close" to returning from their respective niggles.
