Storm v Dolphins: Coates a chance; Nicholls back on deck

The Dolphins dropped out of the top eight last round with a loss against the Bulldogs and face a tough challenge to climb back into finals contention with a win against the Storm.

Melbourne are riding high after taking down the Panthers last round to have one hand on firmly on the minor premiership - but they will not be wanting to suffer any slip ups before playing finals footy.

Four games back from being sidelined with a groin injury, Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster seems to be back to his best, with 146 metres, a try assist and a line break assist in the win.

Melbourne stars Christian Welch (back / calf) and Xavier Coates (hamstring) could be a possibility to make their own injury returns for this match.

For the Dolphins, the equation is simple and they will be focusing on winning their remaining three games after being bested by the Bulldogs in Bundaberg. 

Once again, they showed some good signs, but once again, their poor second half performance again let them down where the could not add any points to the score board, but let in two tries. 

In more positive news, they will be hoping to welcome back Mark Nicholls from concussion protocols for this clash, while hooker Jeremy Marshall-King - who was in top form before a foot injury - could also be in the mix to return this round.