Melbourne will limp into the next week of their stuttering NRL premiership defence in more ways than one, with Test backrower Ryan Hoffman re-injuring his troublesome ankle and facing more scans on Monday.

Hoffman was chaired off by trainers early in the first half of the Storm's upset qualifying final loss to the New Zealand Warriors in just his second match back following an injury to the same ankle last month.

But after coming off the bench in the big win over South Sydney last weekend, Hoffman was out of action inside 20 minutes at Olympic Park.

"He's rolled his ankle - the same ankle he rolled three weeks ago. He was pretty sore at the time, but it's settled down well," Storm physiotherapist Mary Toomey said.

"We'll re-scan it tomorrow."

Hoffman's injury at best leaves him in serious doubt for the Storm's sudden-death final against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night.

Storm prop Jeff Lima injured his knee against the Warriors, though his prognosis is brighter - the club confident he will be fit to play the Broncos.

Melbourne's defeat has seen them relinquish their grip on premiership favouritism, though they remain $3.25 second favourites with TAB Sportsbet behind Manly ($2.85).

Despite their brave win and a looming home final next weekend, the Warriors are rated $11 chances to win the premiership.

New Zealand leave for home on Monday to prepare for their next finals assignment against the Sydney Roosters in Auckland on Friday night.

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