FORMER Canberra Raiders prop Luke Davico is primed to make a shock return to the NRL with Melbourne next year.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy has approached Davico, 32, about a possible comeback as he looks to bolster his forward stocks. The veteran of more than 150 games with Canberra was forced into retirement earlier this year after tearing his pectoral muscle playing for English Super League club Wigan.
Davico has since returned to Australia and, after positive discussions with his surgeon, has declared himself ready to resume his career.
"The desire is definitely there," Davico said last night.
"Moving to Wigan did wonders for me. It really rejuvenated me, and while it was devastating how things ended up over there, it really made me realise how badly I wanted to play on."
Davico and Bellamy have enjoyed a long friendship, which began when Bellamy coached Davico in the Canberra under-21s.
"I consider Craig a good mate, and he has asked if I'm interested in coming down to Melbourne," Davico said.
"It's a prospect that is really attractive to me. I know what a quality coach he is and he is building a really exciting team. It is pretty exciting to think I could be part of that."
Bellamy confirmed he had spoken to Davico, but said any contract would be subject to a stringent medical test. "The biggest thing for Luke is the injury. He has had three pec injuries now, so any team that signs him would want to make sure he is over those," Bellamy said.
Newcastle has also approached the prop, who said lifestyle for his young family would be a key concern.
Storm continued talks with halfback Matt Orford's manager last night.
"Negotiations are moving forward," chief executive Brian Waldron said.
STORM'S depth will be seriously tested in New Zealand on Sunday, with Bellamy conceding he is struggling to name a fully fit 17-man squad.
Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Matt King are on Origin duty, Ian Donnelly and Dallas Johnson are suspended, while Scott Hill had surgery on an ankle injury yesterday.
Forwards Antonio Kaufusi (ankle), Tevita Metuisela (knee), Alex Chan (back) and Brett White (ankle) are in doubt, with former Parramatta back-rower Anthony Boyd added to the squad to provide some cover.
Centre Josh Graham is also in doubt, and Bellamy said he was low on backline options.
"We have a few kids up in Queensland with ability, but it is a huge ask to throw them in for a game in New Zealand," Bellamy said.
BULLDOGS sensation Sonny Bill Williams' season went from bad to worse last night, with confirmation he'll miss up to 12 weeks with a knee injury.
After missing nine weeks with an ankle injury, Williams suffered a torn cartilage in his right knee during his comeback match against South Sydney on Saturday.
