Search

show me:

Storm's Vunivalu hoping hamstring holds on

3 minute read

Melbourne winger Suliasi Vunivalu is hopeful his troublesome hamstring is up to two more games in the NRL before his switch to rugby union.

SULIASI VUNIVALU of the Storm.
SULIASI VUNIVALU of the Storm. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Suliasi Vunivalu is keeping the Melbourne masseur working overtime as he tries to keep his troublesome hamstring in shape for the Storm's NRL preliminary final next Friday night.

The rugby-bound winger has suffered left hamstring issues all season while he was also sidelined with a broken jaw with the injuries limiting him to 15 games.

Missing Melbourne's preliminary final loss to the Sydney Roosters last year, the 24-year-old feared history could be repeating itself.

"I was so nervous going into last week's game, knowing it was going to be high intensity," Vunivalu said.

"I'm very happy with the win and we got another week off to rest it.

"I have a bad back that has transferred into my hamstring problems so I'm trying to be active and getting treatment on that with a few massages a week."

The Fijian flyer went down late in the Parramatta playoff, with the Storm trainer concerned about another hamstring injury and stopping play, which resulted in a fine for the club.

Vunivalu was relieved this time it was only a cramp and he would be available for the Suncorp Stadium grand final qualifier.

He had faith his hamstring was up for two more games in the NRL, should the Storm make it to the grand final this year.

"100 per cent - the week off will definitely benefit my hamstring," he said.

"I'd rather play with a broken jaw than a torn hamstring."

Signing a two-year deal to play Super Rugby with Queensland, Vunivalu said it was sinking in that his time with Melbourne was coming to an end.

He made his NRL debut in 2016 and has played 109 games, scoring 84 tries.

"In my head I've been thinking two more games but in reality it's just one if we don't make it so I will do my best this week to prepare well so I can be here for another week."

Vunivalu will keep an eye on the Wallabies Bledisloe Cup match in New Zealand on Sunday, hopeful that he could follow ex-Storm winger Marika Koroibete into the Test side.

"He's (Koroibete) been killing it in rugby union and it gives me confidence I can do what he's doing."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au