Manly coach Des Hasler says Melbourne's sudden injury crisis is an indication nothing can be taken for granted as teams jostle for positions inside the top eight over the closing weeks of the competition.
The Storm, currently four points clear of the Sea Eagles at the head of the table, will be without half-back Cooper Cronk for at least a fortnight while strike centre Dane Nielsen (ankle), forward Adam Blair (shoulder) and winger Matt Duffie (chest) are also carrying injuries.
Craig Bellamy's team have also lost winger Justin O'Neill (back) for the season, further testing their depth heading into the business end.
Melbourne's problems have only strengthened Hasler's philosophy about looking no further ahead than the next game, which for Manly is against a desperate Canterbury at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
"We've got to get past the Bulldogs first and (then) it's about staying healthy," Hasler said on Wednesday.
"You look at what's happened to the Storm. (They're) flying one minute and in the space of a week they've lost one player for the season and had major injuries (to key players)."
Hooker Matt Ballin concedes he is keeping one eye on Manly's top-four rivals while the other is fixed firmly on Canterbury.
The Dogs must become the first side to beat the Sea Eagles at home this year to stay in the top-eight race.
"At this stage of the year it's pretty exciting watching all the teams playing and seeing how they're going," Ballin said.
"Everyone knows St George haven't been playing well, but playing against Melbourne (on Friday night) will have them ready for a big game."
"We have to play well against the Bulldogs this week and then worry about Melbourne and Broncos after that."
"We've got a couple of big games in the last two rounds (but) these are the danger games (against) teams that are desperate."
"They (Canterbury) want to make the eight and they want to make an impression against some top sides."
Manly take on premiership rivals Melbourne and Brisbane to round off the regular season.
Hasler labels it the perfect preparation for the finals.
"You want to be playing against good sides," he said.
"The games following have a finals pitch about them."