The Melbourne Storm No.6 jersey has claimed another victim with Joel Romelo sidelined for up to eight weeks with an ankle injury.
In his Storm debut last round the former Bulldog suffered a syndesmosis injury early in their win over South Sydney.
Romelo was in the jersey after regular NRL play-maker Ben Hampton's two-game suspension, while Ben Roberts suffered a torn medial ligament in round seven playing at five-eighth.
"It's really disappointing for Joel because he's trained really hard pre-season to earn an contract and since then has been waiting for an opportunity," said Storm football director Frank Ponissi.
"We weren't sure at the time how serious it was but scans have confirmed a high ankle sprain."
Roberts will make his return through the Storm's feeder team in the NSW Cup this weekend while the first grade side have a bye.
With Hampton out for another match, the former Parramatta utility could be given the top job in their round 12 clash with North Queensland.
"Ben's (Roberts) worked really hard and with our crisis in the number six position he's a big chance to play against the Cowboys," Ponissi said.
Rising star Cody Walker was in line to make his Storm debut against Manly but injured his hamstring in the lead-up.
The 24-year-old five-eighth will make his return in the Storm's feeder side in the Queensland Cup next week.
The Storm will have four players who will need to back up in Townsville from State of Origin in skipper Cameron Smith, halfback Cooper Cronk, fullback Billy Slater and backrower Ryan Hoffman.
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