Melbourne utility Nick Meaney will line up in the first week of the final despite aggravating a shoulder injury following Thursday’s 22-14 loss to Parramatta.
Currently sharing full-back duties with Cameron Munster, Meaney was flattened in a Will Penisini tackle as the final two minutes elapsed at CommBank Stadium.
He managed to stay on the pitch despite visible pain, revealing full time that he has been battling the AC joint injury since Round 20.
Meaney landed awkwardly that day trying to deliver a kick and has been coveted ever since.
“I fell into the Warriors and landed on my head and shoulder, that’s when it started,” Meaney told reporters.
“But it’s one of those wounds you can carry and fight the pain.”
Meaney has played 87 career games in Newcastle, Canterbury and now Melbourne, but has yet to reach the final.
He said the injury, while “bad”, wouldn’t stop him from making his playoff debut, likely against Canberra in a playoff final next weekend.
“We have a long lead time, so I’ll rest for the week, I’ll probably be craved again next week,” he said.
“I can’t wait to (play the final). There is a lot at stake, so we hope to be able to go out and do well ”.
For the first time since 2011, the Storm entered the final after two consecutive defeats.
Melbourne’s tepid form has taken them to fifth place in the standings, the third lowest in the past 17 seasons.
“We’re shooting ourselves in the foot,” Meaney said.
“We are still fighting and there are positive signs, but it’s about securing the ball, making our tackles and making our sets.
“That’s when things start happening for you, but at the moment it doesn’t.”
Munster co-conspirator Jahrome Hughes will return from a calf complaint for the first week of the final in a timely push for Melbourne.
“Hopefully Hughesy will be back next week and we can try to get the job done,” Meaney said.