Young Tonumaipea could be a surprise round-one starter at fullback for Melbourne with Billy Slater and Cameron Munster both battling to overcome injuries.
Tonumaipea, 23, has been named at No.1 in a near full-strength side for Saturday night's trial against the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Storm are still sweating on the fitness of Slater for their opening-round clash against St George Illawarra, as he recovers from shoulder surgery last June.
He has not played since State of Origin II last year, having been made unavailable for this year's Auckland Nines and All Stars match.
"Billy is progressing well," football director Frank Ponissi said.
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"We have ramped up his contact training but decided to hold him back given we have a week off (following the trial).
"At this stage he is on track for round one."
Meanwhile Munster, who was impressive at the back in replacing Slater at the end of last season, injured his knee at the Auckland Nines and may also be unavailable until round two.
Tonumaipea, a Victorian-raised junior, has scored five tries in 18 games for Melbourne while playing on the wing.
Regular Melbourne stars Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, Will Chambers and Jesse Bromwich have all been named for the side's final trial match.
