Craig Bellamy has delivered a surprise boost ahead of Melbourne Storm’s finals campaign, confirming forward Shawn Blore’s throat injury is not as severe as first feared.
Blore had been sidelined with a larynx issue that was initially expected to require major surgery and rule him out for the season.
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But speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Bellamy revealed the 23-year-old has undergone only minor surgery and could yet feature in the coming weeks.
‘We thought he’d be out for the rest of the season’
“They thought they’d have to operate, you know, like a major operation, but they don’t have to,” Bellamy said. “He’s had a minor surgery, but I’m not quite sure how long before he’ll be back or if he’ll be back. I’m not quite sure the medical people know either. But certainly, it was better news earlier in the week. We thought he’d be out for the rest of the season.”
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The update arrives as Melbourne prepare to welcome star half Jahrome Hughes back from a six-week shoulder layoff, with Bellamy insisting the playmaker is “100 per cent” fit to face Brisbane. Hughes’ return against the Broncos is viewed as a crucial tune-up before their qualifying final against Canterbury.
While the timeline for Blore’s recovery remains uncertain, the news that he may be available for the finals has lifted spirits at AAMI Park. For a Storm side already battling injuries, his potential return could prove invaluable in their pursuit of a first premiership since 2020.