Storm Names Side For Kawana Trial

MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named a 23-man squad for this Saturday’s pre-season trial game against the Manly Sea Eagles at Quad Park, Kawana on the Sunshine Coast from 7:30pm.

Bellamy has taken the opportunity to give a game to several fringe players who will pushing hard for first-grade selection.

These include Ryan Shortland and Israel Folau who make up the centre pairing, Russell Aitken at five-eighth, James Aubusson at hooker and Matthew Bartlett in the second-row.

Several players have also been named for their first game of 2007, having overcome off-season injuries.

Grand Final players Ryan Hoffman (second row), Antonio Kaufusi (front row) and Brett White (front row) all make their return to the field after recovering from wrist, shoulder and hamstring/calf injuries respectively.

Sitting on the bench will be regular first-graders Matt Geyer, Garret Crossman and Ian Donnelly.

Melbourne Storm squad for Saturday’s game:

Starting team:

1. Luke Samoa

2. Anthony Perkins

3. Ryan Shortland

4. Israel Folau

5. Will Chambers

6. Russell Aitken

7. Liam Foran

8. Brett White

9. James Aubusson

10. Antonio Kaufusi

11. Ryan Hoffman

12. Matt Bartlett

13. Sam Tagataese

Interchange:

14. Sammy Joe, 15. Joel Thompson, 16. Matt Geyer, 17. Garret Crossman, 18. Ian Donnelly, 19. Scott Anderson, 20. Jay Aston, 21. Sika Manu, 22. Kevin Proctor, 23. Pale Ale.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.