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Lowrie tipped to play

Bellamy expects Lowrie to play

03/19/2010 01:24:19 AM

Melbourne recruit Todd Lowrie will play his first NRL game for the club against Newcastle on Saturday night, provided he gets through training on Friday afternoon.

The 26-year-old, who played for the Eels against the Storm in last year's grand final, helped his new club to victory just under three weeks ago in the World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road.

But Lowrie, who has been given first crack at the No.13 jersey that Dallas Johnson made his own for seven seasons before departing at the end of last year, picked up a groin strain in that 18-10 triumph and missed last week's season opener against the Sharks in Sydney.

Bellamy, though, is confident that Lowrie, whose NRL debut came playing for Newcastle against Penrith at CUA Stadium seven years ago, will don the Storm jersey at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday night as the premiers look to build on their 14-10 win last weekend.

"Yeah he should be ok, we've got another training session today (Friday)," Bellamy said from the club's headquarters before the team departed for its trip north.

"He hasn't trained flat out with us yet and he hasn't done a full session yet but we're looking for him to do that today and the medical staff are very confident he'll get through that."

"If he gets through training today he'll certainly be playing."

One player who didn't make the trip was second-rower Ryan Hoffman who has spent time away from the club recuperating after earlier this week having to undergo a knee operation, with his recovery expected to take between a month and six weeks.

"I haven't actually seen him since he had the operation," Bellamy added. "I'd imagine he wouldn't be real happy."

"He wears his heart on his sleeve a bit and he certainly doesn't like missing games."

"It's not too serious, he should be back within four-to-six weeks so hopefully it will be that, more four than six, and he'll come back, he'll be champing at the bit when he does come back."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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