In a significant blow to Queensland's hopes for the upcoming State of Origin series, Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant is in serious doubt for the opening match due to a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old sustained the injury during the team's captain's run on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and coach Craig Bellamy indicated that Grant could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Grant’s absence will be felt not only by the Storm but also by the Maroons, who are gearing up for their first clash against New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium on May 28. With the injury occurring so close to the start of the series, Queensland coach Billy Slater is left with a challenging decision as he contemplates how best to fill the void left by Grant.
"He’s had a scan. They are thinking four to six weeks," Bellamy told Fox League before the Storm's clash with the Dolphins on Friday night. "It was pretty innocuous there yesterday at training. We were doing our captain's run. Pretty early on he just sort of pulled up lame. He was pretty sore afterwards so he went for a scan and it unfortunately wasn't great news." This unfortunate turn of events comes at a critical time as the Storm prepare for their next fixture.
In Grant's absence, Bronson Garlick stepped in for the Storm's match against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, April 18, 2025. The Storm faced the Dolphins in what was expected to be a competitive encounter, and they will now have to adjust their strategy without one of their key players.
As the Maroons look ahead to the State of Origin, Slater may consider promoting Brisbane's No.6 and regular Maroons No.14 Ben Hunt to the starting position. Hunt is known for his versatility and experience, and his elevation to the first team could provide a much-needed boost. Additionally, Canterbury rake Reed Mahoney has also emerged as a contender, especially after a stellar start to the season that has caught the attention of selectors.
The implications of Grant's injury extend beyond just the immediate matches. His role as a playmaker and defensive anchor is crucial for the Maroons, and his absence could alter the dynamics of their gameplay. The pressure is now on Slater and his coaching staff to make the right decisions in the lead-up to the series.
Meanwhile, the Storm are also dealing with other injury concerns. Following their clash with the Dolphins, Jack Howarth (shoulder) and Tui Kamikamica (ankle) will undergo scans in Melbourne to determine the extent of their injuries from the game. The Storm's next match is the Anzac Day game against South Sydney on Friday, April 25, 2025, at AAMI Park. With a series of injuries mounting, the team's depth will be tested as they navigate the next few weeks.
As fans await further updates on Grant's condition, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how the Storm and the Maroons adjust their lineups. The State of Origin series is always a highly anticipated event in the rugby league calendar, and the stakes are higher than ever with player fitness and form being crucial to success.
In the meantime, supporters of the Storm and Queensland will be hoping for the best as they look to see Grant recover quickly. His contributions have been invaluable, and his leadership on the field will be sorely missed if he cannot make it back in time for the Origin series.
The upcoming weeks will be pivotal not just for Grant's recovery but also for the teams as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating State of Origin series. With the clock ticking down to the opening match, every decision made by coaches and selectors will be critical in shaping the outcome of this fiercely contested rivalry.
