Orford Named For Eels Clash

Melbourne Storm has named star halfback Matt Orford in the side that will take on the Parramatta Eels this Saturday at Parramatta Stadium (5.30pm).

Despite partially dislocating his left kneecap in Sunday?s loss to the Broncos, Orford was yesterday cleared of any serious damage and is hopeful of lining-up as the Storm look to extend the Eels? winless run to five matches.

Melbourne?s last trek to Parramatta was highly successful after the Storm came back from a 20-point deficit to snatch victory in the dying minutes.

Young hooker Cameron Smith has been named pending the outcome of his judiciary hearing tonight ? the 19-year will be contesting a grade one dangerous throw charge emanating from Sunday?s match against the Broncos.

If found guilty Smith will miss Saturday?s match but will be eligible to make a return for the following week?s home game against the Roosters.

David Kidwell will again hold down a starting role in the centres while Junior Langi is out with quadriceps and knee injuries.

Langi was a late withdrawal last week after he failed to overcome a quad injury suffered the in the previous week?s pre-game warm-up. The 21-year-old also suffered recurring soreness in his left knee - as a result of a pre-season medial injury - and had arthroscopic surgery before Sunday?s game to correct the problem.

He is expected the miss the next month, further adding to the Storm?s crippling injury toll.

Dallas Johnson will start at lock while Ryan Hoffman retains his place on the bench.

MELBOURNE STORM TEAM TO PLAY PARRAMATTA, THIS SATURDAY AT PARRAMATTA STADIUM, 5.30PM

1. Billy Slater 2. Semi Tadulala 3. Steven Bell 4. David Kidwell 5. Marcus Bai 6. Matt Geyer 7. Matt Orford 8. Robbie Kearns 9. Cameron Smith 10. Mitchell Sargent 11. Peter Robinson 12. Stephen Kearney (c) 13. Dallas Johnson

BENCH 14. Danny Williams 15. Ryan Hoffman 16. Kirk Reynoldson 17. Glen Turner

*No change to the side that played last week (Junior Langi is out of the side that was initially named last week as Ryan Hoffman comes in)

STORM TRAINING THIS WEEK: Wednesday: 1.30pm, Olympic Park Friday: 10am, Olympic Park

For further information contact

James Avery: Phone (03) 9421 3222 Mobile: 0411 623 024 javery@melbournestorm.com.au