Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has backed Greg Inglis' impending return to the NRL as good news for both the Test superstar and his club's stuttering season.

Inglis looks certain to replace Dane Nielsen in the Storm's starting side to play the Sydney Roosters at Olympic Park on Saturday night after missing Melbourne's past two matches.

Inglis was banned from playing by his club after he was charged with assaulting his former girlfriend Sally Robinson two weeks ago.

But on Thursday the Storm lifted their suspension on the 22-year-old.

Melbourne have slumped to two successive defeats since the State of Origin centre was banned, leaving their top four hopes perched precariously.

Bellamy admitted Inglis' comeback would benefit his team, but believed it was even more important for the player's wellbeing as he awaits his case returning to court next month.

"It's obviously good for the team but it's good for him to get back into footy and perhaps take his mind off other things," Bellamy said.

"He's going well (mentally) - getting back into training was a big thing for him and he's looking forward to playing this week.

"It gives us a little bit of a boost but the main thing for us is we're glad to see him back for his sake."

Bellamy believes the break may even work in Inglis' favour - giving him a much-needed freshen-up after a hectic representative year.

The Storm have rested stars like Billy Slater and Cameron Smith from training in recent weeks to achieve the same goal.

"He's had a big workload like all the Origin players and hopefully he'll come back a bit fresher," Bellamy said of Inglis.

"We're not expecting anything he's not capable of doing.

"We expect a good performance from him tomorrow night."

Inglis appeared in a Melbourne court on Wednesday and his lawyer indicated he would plead not guilty to charges of unlawfully assaulting and recklessly causing injury to his ex-girlfriend.

His case was adjourned until October 14.

Saturday night's match could be the club's last home match at Olympic Park before the Storm's planned move to Melbourne's rectangular stadium ahead of the 2010 season - though there is still the prospect of a home final.

The Roosters have elevated Test and Origin front-rower Willie Mason to their starting lineup as they attempt to avoid their first wooden spoon in more than 40 years.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP