Melbourne Storm fullback Nick Meaney has declared he wants to keep the No.1 jersey even when injured star Ryan Papenhuyzen returns from a horror knee injury, but is comfortable to roll with whatever coach Craig Bellamy decides.
The former Bulldog continues to thrive in his second season at Melbourne and was one of Storm’s best in the club’s 28-8 win over the Roosters on Thursday night at AAMI Park, scoring a try and having two try assists in just 65 minutes after being sidelined for 15 minutes with a head injury assessment.
When asked if he wanted to keep his spot at the back when Papenhuyzen returned, Meaney said, "I think so."
“Obviously I’m there at the moment and I’m still trying to get better each week and play good footy," he said.
“Obviously he’s had a really bad injury, which you hate to see and he’s doing really well with his recovery and his rebab.
“When he gets back it’s up to Craig (Bellamy) and the coaching staff to see what’s best for the team and what’s best for Paps as well.
“Sometimes you don’t want to rush into things like that, especially from such a nasty injury. But he’ll be back and whatever’s best for the team, we’ll go with.”
Meaney’s supreme versatility has been a Godsend for Storm since arriving from Canterbury at the end of 2021, plugged holes all over the Storm backline for two years now as Bellamy's side continue to struggle with a tough injury run.
Coates the X factor
Although, while he will happily play where required, he admitted fullback was his preferred position.
“Yeah, well it definitely used to be,” he said. “Obviously on a team like this with so many great players around you do find yourself on the wing, at five-eighth and in the centres even.
“It’s just such a good environment to be in and I’m just so lucky to be here and I relish the moments I get out there.
“Whether it’s fullback, five-eighth, wing, I’m happy to be there and I’ll keep doing my best for the team.”
Papenhuyzen, who watched from a players’ box at AAMI Park on Thursday night, suffered a shattered kneecap in July last year during a tackle with Raiders star Jack Wighton.
Bellamy said there was still no immediate time frame on the Clive Churchill Medallist’s return to the field.
“I haven’t thought about it to be honest, still not quite sure when Paps (Papenhuyzen) is going to be back,” Bellamy said post-game on Thursday night.
“I am pretty sure we will find a spot for Nick there somewhere.
“He’s been one of our most consistent players all year and I thought his first half (against the Roosters) was outstanding.
“So it will be a nice problem to have, but it’s not a problem at the moment.”
Harry's a wizard
Meaney combined with star playmakers Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes and hooker Harry Grant to open up the Roosters on Thursday night.
He said that combination was beginning to flourish after Storm's third straight win in a row on Thursday night.
“It’s been really good and obviously I got a lot of time there (at fullback) during the pre-season and I’ve been building my combination with Mun (Cameron Munster) and Hughesy and even Harry as well,” Meaney said.
“Touch wood I remain injury free, keep building and get better each week.”
Meaney said the spate of recent good form would be invaluable for the club’s newer players following Storm's patchy start to the season in what looms as Bellamy’s swan song after almost 20 years at the helm.
“I think it builds confidence in the guys that haven’t been there quite long,” he said.
“We have a few new edges in Eliesa Katoa coming in and Will Warbrick also on the wing as well. He’s only new to first grade footy, but he’s doing a great job and it just gives those guys confidence when we can turn teams away.”
Melbourne will next face arch rivals Manly on the road next Friday night.
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