If Melbourne are to end the Panthers' premiership streak at three, they'll have to do it without man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
The Kiwi was hit with a five-game suspension after the club's appeal was unsuccessful following his high shot on Lindsay Collins in the first hit-up of the Storm's preliminary final win over the Roosters.
Asofa-Solomona's absence does mean a Melbourne forward will get the opportunity to play in the biggest game of the season, with Lazarus Vaalepu the man given the nod.
MORE: NRL grand final team lists
Here's what you need to know about Vaalepu:
Who is Lazarus Vaalepu?
Running out in the grand final against the Panthers will represent something of a full-circle moment for the 25-year-old Vaalepu, who grew up in Penrith.
While many of the all-conquering Panthers came through the ranks together at the club, Vaalepu has taken a slightly longer route to the top grade.
Initially making his way through the junior teams at Canberra, Vaalepu moved to Queensland in search of opportunity.
There, he'd make his Queensland Cup debut for Wynnum-Manly in 2021 before joining Sunshine Coast Falcons, where he'd play for three seasons.
In 17 games for the Falcons in 2024, "Laz" averaged 122 run metres.
That form earned him a first-grade debut in round 20, the first of six appearances in Craig Bellamy's team.
His one and only start for the year came against the Cowboys in round 26 and saw Vaalepu score a try in the opening minutes of the game.
Veteran Melbourne front-rower Christian Welch sung Vaalepu's praises following news of Asofa-Solomona's suspension.
"He hasn't had a lot of game time, but the times he has been out there, he's been really good for our footy side," Welch said.
"He's such a powerful guy and a big body, but his efforts off the ball and in his defensive areas have been really pleasing because the speed of the game at NRL level rises up.
"For him to be able to still carry the ball but also keep contributing in defence with such a big frame is a really tough thing to do."
At 190cm and 119kg, Vaalepu has plenty of size to help fill the Asofa-Solomona-shaped hole in the Storm 17.
Lazarus Vaalepu stats
- Games: 6
- Tries: 1
- Tackle breaks: 5
- Offloads: 2
- Tackling efficient: 98.8 per cent
- Avg minutes: 21
- Avg run metres: 45
Melbourne confirmed grand final team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Christian Welch
16. Lazarus Vaalepu
17. Alec MacDonald
18. Grant Anderson
19. Joe Chan
20. Kane Bradley
21. Tepai Moeroa
22. Sualauvi Faalogo
