Melbourne are bracing for a return to the days when State of Origin drained their side with a swag of Storm players tipped to be called up for this season.
Last year only skipper Cameron Smith and halfback Cooper Cronk were absent, although Billy Slater and Will Chambers would have also joined the Maroons were they not injured at the time.
Melbourne have a four-point buffer at the top of the NRL ladder and coach Craig Bellamy said they could need each one of those points with extra Storm players getting Origin mentions this year.
As well as those four regulars, Queensland coach Kevin Walters said this week he was considering blooding rookie five-eighth Cameron Munster and forward Felise Kaufusi, who was 18th man last year.
Forwards Jordan McLean and Dale Finucane are believed to be in the mix for NSW selection.
"The last couple of years we haven't been hit that hard and last year because of injuries we only had the two which was probably the lowest representation we've ever had," Bellamy said.
"I think there's going to be a few more this year.
"While we'd selfishly like to keep them, we love our players playing rep footy and especially Origin because it's a great experience for them."
Bellamy said it was vital the Storm keep on their winning way heading into the first Origin at Suncorp on May 31.
"It's made the last few weeks pretty important and hopefully in the next couple of weeks the guys can do a good job for the club," he said.
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