Ryan Papenhuyzen is confirmed to be sidelined for the Melbourne Storm’s game against the Sharks this week. Two more players are questionable for the exciting matchup.

Boom rookie Sua Fa’alogo and New Zealand international halfback Jahrome Hughes might not be available for the team.

Hughes told the AAP that he felt his calf “pop” last Saturday against the Gold Coast Titans and is not sure whether he will suit up in the halves this Sunday. Hughes is not guaranteed to play against the Sharks this week.

He is currently believed to have suffered a calf injury, though it is unclear how serious it is. The Storm has not yet released a statement.

“I felt (my calf) in the first ten minutes,” Hughes said to the newspaper.

“I am not too sure exactly what it is, just that it is in my calf. I felt it pop. I feel as though I won’t be playing next week, but I will get scans and hopefully it is not too bad.

“I want to play but it is still pretty sore at the moment.”

Bronson Garlick will be able to join the team from the interchange bench if Hughes is unable to play, as Zero Tackle knows that Tyran Wishart is the favorite to move into the halves.

Hughes’ injury could not have come at a worse time for the Storm, who last week lost starting backup halfback Jonah Pezet to an ACL injury that would finish his season.

Sua Fa’alogo, a rookie sensation and Samoan international, is also doubtful for Saturday’s game due to a knee injury. The club will be keeping an eye on him for the next couple of days.

However, it isn’t all bad news for the Storm, with Xavier Coates (hamstring) set to return to the wing this week, according to The Daily Telegraph.

“He had head knock in the first half and then he came off with the knee knock,” said Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi via The Daily Telegraph.

“The medical staff at this stage aren’t overly concerned but they’re going to monitor him over the next 24 to 48 hours.

“At this stage he’ll probably be in some doubt but we won’t know until Tuesday.”

Given their absences, Nick Meaney will likely start at fullback this week instead of Fa’alogo, who was regarded as the front-runner to replace Ryan Papenhuyzen.

With Meaney possibly moving to fullback, the centers would have a vacancy.Craig Bellamy has the option to select between Dean Ieremia, Marion Seve, and Young Tonumaipea.

On Saturday night at 19:35 AEST, the Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla Sharks will square off at AAMI Park.