Bellamy not concerned over Hughes head knock

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy admits it was a "good question" as to why Jahrome Hughes wasn't take for a head injury assessment after a head clash with teammate Dale Finucane but was not concerned the club did anything wrong in the side's 28-6 win over the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Bellamy indicated the club received thumbs up from HIA officials at the ground to allow Hughes to remain on the field despite a nasty head cut that will required stitches.

Hughes and Finucane came together while tackling Chris Smith in the sixth minute with Finucane left motionless on the field and ruled out for the remainder of the game. Hughes continued to play on with Bellamy indicating both players pulled up well following the result.

"It's a big cut, he showed a lot of heart to play out the game," Bellamy said of Hughes.

"It was a brave performance from him. He's good in the dressing room, just scared to get a needle in his forehead probably [for stitches]."

When pressed further on the possibility of a HIA, Bellamy labelled it a good question but didn't believe there were any major issues. 

Hughes was returning for the Belmore clash after sitting out last week's win over the Tigers following a nasty head knock a week earlier.

"That's a good question, I didn't think of that," Bellamy said.

"I don't think there was any problems with a HIA. He obviously copped a knock to the head.

"He was OK from our trainer but obviously the HIA official on the sideline didn't think there was much to it either."

Bellamy said the bye week came at a perfect time for the Storm with at least four players set to feature in Origin I and several of the younger players in the squad suffering with fatigue from a demanding first half of the season.

"I know a few people around at other clubs that I talk to and are close friends with and I think a lot of clubs at the moment are looking for a bit of a break," Bellamy said.

"It's been hectic – and it always is – but it just seems to be this year a few more injuries and a few teams that are looking a little bit jaded and tired.

"A few of our guys I've noticed are the younger guys who have come into the squad.

"They've played three or five games a year and this year they've played eight in a row.

"For five or six it's all exciting when you get up but past that when you're not used to it, it turns into the grind and I know our players now are looking for a rest. A few of our coaches are looking for a rest as well."