After enjoying a day at the zoo with his young family, Melbourne recruit Matt Cross' next family reunion might not be so pleasant.

Matt will on Saturday night line up against older brother Ben in the Storm's NRL trial against Newcastle at Princes Park in Melbourne.

Matt was all smiles ahead of the game after spending the day with his children Lacey, 15 months, and Riley, 6, as well as wife Jodie, who have remained behind on the Gold Coast while he attempts to resurrect his career in Melbourne.

He said he wasn't expecting the same warm welcome from fellow prop Ben, who won the 2007 premiership with the Storm before signing with the Knights.

"It's good to play against Ben again, we've played about four times," Matt, 27, said.

"The last time was in 2006 when I was with Penrith and we lost by one point.

"It's always a tough encounter playing him, there's no love lost."

After suffering a knee injury and then being cut by the Titans, Matt is hoping to revive his stalled career and emulate the success of his brother.

He said Ben had been a great support during the recent tough times, and with his move south.

Matt is hoping to impress tough taskmaster, coach Craig Bellamy and earn a long-term contract at the club, making the sacrifice of only seeing his family every two weeks worth it.

"The feedback and the feeling I've got so far is positive," he said.

"I've just got to keep working hard at the little things Craig likes."

"It's tough being away from the family but what I'm doing here is trying to give them a future as well so that keeps me focused."

The Storm have included World Cup stars Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith in their line-up for Saturday's trial, although they have rested halfback Cooper Cronk and lock Dallas Johnson.

Slater said he didn't expect to play the full 80 minutes.

"I've only been back training for four weeks and this will be my first game.

"It feels like longer than that and my fitness level is where I want to be."

Slater said Inglis, who has bulked up to 105kg, had been impressive at training.

"He's been training really well, he's not a noted trainer but this year he's really been up the front.

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