Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is backing Kiwis international Brandon Smith to fill the void at hooker, with skipper Cameron Smith ruled out for 2-3 weeks with a rare injury.
Veteran Smith sustained a shoulder injury, while scoring a try during the Storm's 26-16 win over Newcastle Knights on Sunday afternoon.
As a result, Kiwi Smith will likely earn a rare start from dummy half during his captain's absence. Smith has only started two of his 54 NRL games at hooker.
Bellamy says his side face a "real test" without their illustrious leader, but knows they have the depth to cope without him for at least the next fortnight.
"Cameron has had a great influence on our team, so it is going to be a real test for us, without a doubt, but I have got a lot of confidence in Brandon to come in and replace him," says Bellamy.
"He is a different style of player, but we think he will do a real good job.
"We just need to get the halves [Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes] and the fullback [Ryan Papenhuyzen] and a couple of our experienced ruck players to take more responsibility with our communication in what we do and how we are doing it.
"It is a good test, but something we are looking forward to."
Last month, Kiwi Smith expressed his interest to play hooker long term, after New South Wales coach Brad Fittler suggested he become a permanent loose forward.
Fittler said a move would help ease a massive headache at the Storm, allowing Smith and hooker Harry Grant - who is on loan at the Wests Tigers - to play on the same team in future.
This season, Smith has been used at hooker, loose forward and even at prop.
Earlier, Parramatta Eels held off a resurgent Canterbury Bulldogs side to win 18-16 at ANZ Stadium.
The Eels led 18-0 after 17 minutes, the Bulldogs fought back to close the gap to two points, but were unable to cause a stunning upset.
Bulldogs centre Jake Averillo scored a try-of-the-year contender, diving in the corner with his whole body hanging in the air, as he planted the ball down.
Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak pulled off the blunder of the season, when he was penalised for playing the ball the wrong way.
Fox Sports commentator and former Bulldogs Michal Ennis called it "one of the most embarrassing things I've seen".
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