Storm rookie set to make history at NRL grand final

Joshua Mayne

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Storm rookie set to make history at NRL grand final image

One man's loss is another man's gain, and that certainly applies to the Storm's team list for the NRL grand final.

A suspension to enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona has opened up a spot in Craig Bellamy's side for Sunday's decider. 

Lazarus Vaalepu is the player given the nod, with the rookie in line to play just his seventh game of first grade.

The 25-year-old has been named on the Melbourne bench alongside fellow forwards Christian Welch and Alec MacDonald. 

MORE: NRL grand final confirmed team lists

Should he hold his place and feature at Accor Stadium, Vaalepu will become the most inexperienced player to play in an NRL grand final, per Random Stats Guy

With just six matches under his belt, he trumps the likes of Blake Taaffe (seven matches, 2021 grand final) and Moses Mbye (eight matches, 2014 grand final). 

The 190cm prop made his first grade debut in Round 20 this season before earning his first and only start in Round 26.

His sheer size makes him a big presence in attack, while he has also impressed defensively, recording 98.8 per cent tackle efficiency this season.

Craig Bellamy is notably no stranger to playing inexperienced talent in grand finals. 

Scott Anderson had just nine NRL games under his belt when he featured in the 2008 decider, while Dane Nielsen had only played 11 matches leading into the 2009 grand final.

Lazarus Vaalepu NRL 2024 stats

Games6
Tries1
Tackle breaks5
Offloads2
Tackle eff.98.8%
Avg. mins21
Avg. run metres45

Melbourne Storm: Confirmed grand final team list

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

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.