Inglis in doubt for All Stars clash

Melbourne Storm centre Greg Inglis could be out of the NRL All Stars game because of a hip injury, with the Golden Boot winner's participation to be assessed by club medical staff later this week.

Inglis, a major drawcard for the game as part of the Indigenous All Stars team against the NRL All Stars, has not trained with the rest of his Storm teammates for the past 10 days because of soreness in his right hip – the 23-year-old instead working in the rehabilitation squad with other injured players.

He could also be at risk of missing the Storm's World Club Challenge clash against Leeds later this month if the injury does not respond to treatment.

It is believed the Storm has notified Indigenous team coach Neil Henry of the likelihood that Inglis could pull out of the game that will be played at Gold Coast's Skilled Stadium on February 13.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Inglis was "certainly in doubt".

"I know he's very keen to play in it, but we'll have to see," Bellamy said. "He couldn't train [yesterday] and unless he can train Friday I wouldn't imagine he's going to be much good.

"I know our physio and Greg are going to ring up Neil Henry and explain the situation and if they need confirmation they've got the X-rays and that but, as I say, we just want to let them know the situation so it's not a surprise to them if he has to pull out.

"I know he is very keen to play and he'll give himself every chance and hopefully with treatment this week it will come good."

Storm physio Kieran Morgan said the extent of Inglis's injury, which will require ongoing treatment, and whether it would also threaten his place for the World Club Challenge, would not be known until later this week.

Meanwhile, Bellamy is considering experimenting with playing captain Cameron Smith, who is regarded as the best hooker in the game, at halfback to cover for the loss of on-field general Cooper Cronk, who is not expected back on the field after groin surgery until at least round four.

Smith, who played at five-eighth early last season until Brett Finch was recruited from Parramatta, trained at halfback yesterday with Bellamy saying while he was happy with Smith's work, Finch and last year's under-20s captain Luke Kelly, who impressed in his sole senior game last season, were other options.

"Obviously Cameron won't be training with us next week, he will be away with All Stars so that might restrict us a little bit using him there," Bellamy said. "It's a pretty important position so we need someone who's had plenty of time there so we'll see how we go."

- © Fairfax NZ News