And Michael Morgan looked to have injured his groin hoisting a kick late in the contest. He played on, played well in fact, but there were times of obvious discomfort and he will be on the watch list.

It means Newcastle young gun Kalyn Ponga will almost certainly be named in an extended squad to give Walters some cover should either Slater or Morgan fail to make the cut. Morgan played fullback on Friday but would be used as a bench utility by the Maroons.

One man that won't be there for the series will be Cameron Smith, although on Friday's evidence you couldn't help but wonder if he's given up his representative career a fraction early.

In what was the last time he would face off with great friend and rival Johnathan Thurston, barring a miracle that sees North Queensland make the finals, Smith was typically dominant, crossing for a try as he scored six of Melbourne's seven points.

Cameron Munster added the other with a 71st-minute field goal. He heads into Origin in excellent form and will join with Ben Hunt in the Queensland halves.

It was a slow start for both sides and it never looked as if the match would rise to any great heights. Smith was running the show for the Storm but he didn't get much early help, while Thurston was doing everything in his power to spark his side into life.

It took until the 32nd minute for someone to score. Smith was the man, bumping off Thurston to crash over from dummy half, just as it looked as though the Cowboys had frustrated Melbourne out of points with some stoic defence on their line.

Thurston missed a penalty he would have normally made, but added a 48th-minute penalty to put his side up by six. At that point, it looked more than enough.

But Kyle Feldt would add a welcome highlight, climbing for the cross-kick, spinning in mid-air and slamming it down in the corner as Josh Addo-Carr did his best to shunt him over the sideline.

Thurston's swinging conversion was brilliant and after battling to get out of second gear for the best part of the contest, it was set up for a grandstand finish.

Munster edged the Storm ahead with nine to play and it would turn out to be enough. Morgan's attempt at the other end was charged down, then his try under the posts was disallowed after an obstruction from the rebound.

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It means Melbourne keep their spot in the eight, while the Cowboys have the Eels to thank for keeping them off the bottom of the ladder. Tipped by so many to win it all, their year is officially a nightmare.

MELBOURNE 7 (C Smith try C Smith goal C Munster field goal) bt NORTH QUEENSLAND 6 (K Feldt try J Thurston goal) at 1300Smiles Stadium. Referees: Gavin Badger, Matt Cecchin. Crowd: 16,003.