Grand Final team lists locked in: Storm turn to rookie forward for Sunday’s grand final as Panthers veteran remains in doubt

Lazarus Vaalepu faces the toughest test of his young career, with the seven-game Storm rookie named on the bench for Sunday’s grand final after man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona was ruled out of the decider through suspension.

Asofa-Solomona copped a five-game ban at the judiciary on Monday night, with the Storm turning to Vaalepu who made his NRL debut in July and has played just 127 minutes this season.

The 25-year-old will come off the bench for his first finals game in the only change to the Storm side which smashed the Roosters last week.

“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,” teammate Christian 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.”

The Panthers have again named Scott Sorensen in the reserves as the back-rower deals with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of their first two finals matches.

Sorensen did some fitness drills at the fan day on Tuesday and says he’s tracking well to play in the grand final, with Matt Eisenhuth the most likely man to drop off the bench if he’s cleared to return.

“I can’t even put into words how much he deserves this,” teammate Liam Martin said.

“I love him. He’s worked so hard, and to try to get back fit and ready for the game, I’m keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that he’ll be there.

“I know he’ll be doing everything in his power to be there.”

Meanwhile, the Roosters have received a major boost for the NRLW decider with Jess Sergis back in the starting side after she made an encouraging return from a knee injury off the bench in last week’s win over the Knights.

The Sharks will also welcome back one of their key players with veteran prop Holli Wheeler slotting straight back into the starting side after missing the preliminary final through suspension.