Understrength Storm happy to miss Thurston

Jun 16, 2017 - 1:02 AM Craig Bellamy has likened putting the Storm line-up together to face North Queensland on Saturday to solving a jigsaw puzzle.

But he's happy the biggest piece is missing from the Cowboys in the form of Johnathan Thurston, who is on State of Origin duty.

Bellamy says he's used to preparing to play without his own Queensland Origin players Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Will Chambers and Tim Glasby, but preparing to play a Cowboys outfit minus Thurston feels a little odd.

"It's a bit strange for us to be preparing for the Cowboys without preparing for John Thurston and that's been a nice change to be quite honest," Bellamy said.

The Storm have done their homework on North Queensland's starting five-eighth Kyle Laybutt, who will make his NRL debut at AAMI Park, with Bellamy impressed with the 21-year-old's defence.

"He will be really keen to play well," Bellamy said.

"I've watched a little bit of him and he's a really brave player so I'm sure he will do a good job for them."

The Storm "puzzle" won't be complete until after their final training session with halfback Ryley Jacks sitting out most sessions this week with soreness.

Teenager Brodie Croft will get the start if Jacks is ruled out.

Regardless of who gets the nod, Bellamy will them to play to their strengths rather than worrying about auditioning to fill the role next season with Cronk's departure.

"We know Cooper isn't going to be there next year so it's a chance for our young halves to come in there and hopefully play some good footy and put their best foot forward and give us a message that they're ready to step into his shoes," Bellamy said.

"We don't expect them to be Cronk and Smith ... we just need them to play to their strengths and that's what we've moulded our game plan around."

Bellamy wasn't sure when Storm's new recruit Nate Myles will be available, currently sidelined with an elbow injury.

Myles joined Melbourne this week from Manly.

"Nate brings a lot of experience and is also a guy who can play long minutes so I think he's a really good addition for the rest of the year," Bellamy said.

"He's been through a thorough medical and we're sure we can get some good value out of him."

Source: AAP