Melbourne Storm fear Christian Welch and George Jennings may not play again this season after suffering serious injuries in the round-one win over Wests Tigers.
The Storm are priced at 17/4 to win the 2022 NRL grand final but have already been hit by the news both players may play no further part in the campaign.
Serious injury setbacks
Welch suffered a suspected ruptured Achilles during the 26-16 win and Jennings a torn ACL, which means both are likely to be out for the season.
Just to make matters worse, Brandon Smith could also be out for at least one month after suffering a broken arm early in the game.
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Bellamy focused on here and now
Johns injury setback for Storm
The Storm managed to recover from all the setbacks to come from behind and take the win. It showed a huge amount of character from the players and coach Craig Bellamy says he has never been more proud.
However he says the injuries are hard to take and certainly took the gloss off the brave win.
Hard to take
"I can't remember an effort as brave as it and I am really, really proud of them," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said. "You have a look at the stats in the first half and we should have been 20 down.
"It's really disappointing for George and certainly Christian. He's had a few tough times now and doesn't deserve that.
"It kills us (They) will miss basically the season. We should be so happy and jumping out of our skins, but we feel so down for the two guys that have those serious injuries."
