The bullocking prop had established himself as an NRL mainstay this year and was a key contributor to Melbourne’s minor premiership.    

But his season is over after he dislocated an elbow during a training drill Wednesday.

And as the Storm prepares its preliminary final next Saturday week against the winner of this weekend’s clash between Canberra and Penrith, the club can ill afford to lose another big bopper.

“Nelson’s injury is bitterly disappointing for him and the team, particularly with the impressive form he has shown this season,” Storm football director Frank Ponissi said.

“While we are disappointed to lose Nelson, a feature of our team this season has been our depth and the resilience of the players to come into the side and play their role.

“We have no doubt whoever replaces Nelson, will come in and do just that.”