Thu Sep 12 00:12:52 UTC 2024: ## Storm Star Welch Returns From Spider Bite Mishap, Ready to Face Sharks

Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch has revealed a bizarre reason for his late withdrawal from last week’s victory over the Broncos, blaming a spider bite sustained during a golfing mishap.

Welch, who was initially named on the bench, was forced to pull out the night before the game after his leg swelled up and he developed a fever.

“I actually got bitten by something,” Welch told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio. “I’m a terrible golfer, so I was off in the shrubbery and I think a little spider got me.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, Welch is now fully recovered and set to return to the Storm’s lineup for Saturday’s clash against the Cronulla Sharks. The Sharks, despite being without star playmaker Nicho Hynes, pose a significant threat, having defeated the Storm 25-10 earlier in the season.

“They came down here earlier this year and beat us,” Welch said. “We’re certainly not taking them lightly. They’re a really well-coached side and just really physical and work really hard.”

Welch’s return is a welcome boost for the Storm, who are also set to welcome back fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen from a leg injury. Papenhuyzen, who missed the Broncos game, was effectively rested for the clash and would have played if it had been a finals match.

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