Hill facing lengthy lay-off

Melbourne Storm five-eighth Scott Hill faces a longer than expected stint on the sidelines after follow-up tests have revealed that the Test lock has nerve damage in the shoulder he injured three weeks ago.

After partially dislocating his right shoulder in the round 15 loss to the Bulldogs Hill had hoped to return in July but recent tests have shown that the nature of the injury will keep the 26-year-old sidelined for the next four weeks at least.

As a worst case scenario Hill could be sidelined for the rest of the season but the Storm?s medical staff are hopeful of an earlier return.

?There is some nerve damage in the right shoulder which in turn has caused some weakness which will take some time to recover,? Storm doctor Greg Hickey said.

?Structurally there is no major damage to the shoulder and he (Hill) won?t require an operation but due to the nature of the nerve damage he will just have to wait for the shoulder to heal.

?Because we are dealing with nerve damage it?s a difficult injury to treat and the issue then becomes the time involved to recover.?

This latest setback is just one of several injuries Hill has had to contend with this season.

Hill?s pre-season was hampered following arthroscopic surgery to his troublesome right knee in February. He went on to play in the opening round of the home and away season but an injury to his left shoulder caused him to miss eight matches.

Hill has played seven games for the Storm this year.

Meanwhile Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will finalise his squad for Sunday?s clash with the Raiders following a final training session tomorrow morning.