Scott Drinkwater will have to wait to try and fill Billy Slater's shoes after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Melbourne Storm's defeat to North Queensland Cowboys.
The 21-year-old is a contender to take the full-back slot for Craig Bellamy's side after the legendary Slater retired.
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Melbourne are set to start the season without Drinkwater in less than a fortnight, though, due to damage done in a 14-6 trial loss on Saturday.
The Storm stated that the length of Drinkwater's absence will become clear after he is assessed.
Head coach Bellamy said following the Cowboys' victory: "We are certainly a lot clearer after tonight about who will be filling positions."
Last year's runners-up start the season with a home clash against Brisbane Broncos a week on Thursday.
