Injured Melbourne Storm star Cooper Cronk has passed the first hurdle in his bid to play in Monday night’s NRL clash with the Bulldogs.

Cronk, who is recovering from a knee injury, has trained with the main squad in Melbourne as they prepare for the Belmore Sports Ground meeting.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy made it clear Cronk wouldn’t be considered unless the Test No.7 could take part in at least one of the main training sessions.

He underwent minor surgery after suffering a knee injury against the Raiders in round 13.

After easing into training on Thursday with some individual work under the eye of physiotherapist Tony Ayoub, Cronk was able to join the side for their Friday session.

The news is also a boon for the Maroons who are desperate to have their match-winner back for the deciding State of Origin in Brisbane on July 8.

“He completed a large part of the session,” said Storm football manager Frank Ponissi.

“We will have to see how he pulls up and then we have another session on Sunday.

“He’s still an outside chance to play Monday night if he can get another couple of runs under his belt and medical staff are happy.”

In further welcome news for the Storm, Fijian flyer Marika Koroibete is set to return from a thumb injury following their bye round.

Koroibete fractured the joint in their heavy loss to the Roosters in round 12 with the Storm missing his finishing prowess in their tight defeat by the Broncos last Sunday.

He’s getting close to selection and while he’s not in full training he’ll be very close after the bye,” Ponissi said.