Positive outlook for Storm
halfback

Tests today have revealed that Melbourne Storm halfback Matt Orford is not suffering from a blood clot to the brain, but in fact has an inner-ear infection, as first diagnosed two weeks ago.

After tests late last week indicated swelling of the cerebellum ? the part of the brain that controls coordination ? Storm medical staff believed Orford might have suffered a mild stroke after collapsing at training a fortnight ago.

However following extensive tests with a leading neurologist at Melbourne?s Box Hill Hospital today, Orford was diagnosed as having an inner-ear infection and may well line-up in the Storm?s first match against Newcastle in ten days time.

?After seeing the specialist today he looked at the scans and wasn?t overly confident that it was a blood clot or that I had a mild stroke,? Orford said.

?It now looks like I either have scar tissue from a previous injury or a cyst, which I may have had all my life. The symptoms I have are apparently in line with an inner-ear problem, that was originally diagnosed.?

A relieved Orford admitted he still isn?t back to full health but is eager to play against the Knights if the symptoms settle down by next week.

?It?s a gradual thing where I will get back in to training slowly and monitor how I?m feeling,? the 25-year-old added.

?I still feel a little bit light-headed, getting a few dizzy spells and have constant headaches, but the doctor said that is part of it (ear infection) and there?s nothing I can really do about it, it?s just a time thing.

?Regarding the first game I?m not quite sure, it?s just a matter of time and see how I feel next week. If I?m feeling good then I should be right to play but it?s still a question mark at this stage.?

Meanwhile Storm fullback Robbie Ross has flown to Sydney today to meet with a leading back specialist.

Ross suffered a bulging disc last season and missed all but five matches for the Storm. The former Australian fullback looked to have overcome the injury before it resurfaced two weeks ago following the Storm?s trial match with Canberra.