Craig Bellamy has named a near full strength line-up for Storm’s final Trial match of the pre-season against the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.

A 24-man squad will travel to Hobart with 13 players from last year’s Grand Final set to line-up two-weeks out from Round 1.

Captain Cameron Smith will make his first appearance of the pre-season following his Four Nations duties at the end of 2016, as will Golden Boot Cooper Cronk and Kiwi forwards Jesse Bromwich and Tohu Harris.

Cronk will line-up in the halves alongside Cameron Munster for the first time after Munster took on the vacant five-eighth role left by Blake Green during the first half of last weekend’s trial on the Sunshine Coast.

After overcoming a knee injury sustained pre-Christmas, NSW Emerging Origin forward Dale Finucane has been named and will get game time against his former side ahead of Round 1.

Youngsters Joe Stimson, Brodie Croft and Vincent Leuluai have all earned positions on an extended interchange bench following promising performances at the Auckland Nines and in Storm’s opening Trial victory over the Warriors.

Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said the Club is excited to be returning to North Hobart Oval.

“The people of Tasmania love their sport, we received plenty of strong support on our last trip to Hobart,” Ponissi said.

“Being our final hit out before Round 1 Saturday’s match is vital to our preparations for the new year.”

Billy Slater has not been selected for Saturday’s Trial match but the fullback continues to be in full training as the season draws closer.

“Billy is in full contact training and edging closer to a return but he won’t be rushed back onto the field until he is ready,” Ponissi said.

Trial 2

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Saturday 18 February, 4:30pm

North Hobart Oval

1. Young Tonumaipea

2. Suliasi Vunivalu

3. Curtis Scott

4. William Chambers

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Cameron Munster

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Jordan McLean

11. Tohu Harris

12. Felise Kaufusi

13. Kenny Bromwich

14. Ryley Jacks

15. Slade Griffin

16. Cheyse Blair

17. Dale Finucane

18. Jeremy Hawkins

19. Tim Glasby

20. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

21. Christian Welch

22. Joe Stimson

23. Brodie Croft

24. Vincent Leuluai