Storm coach Craig Bellamy said suspended enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona has “put his arms around” his rookie replacement Lazarus Vaalepu.
Vaalepu has played just seven first grade matches, and has been named on the Storm bench for Sunday night’s decider against the Panthers.
Speaking to media on Saturday, Bellamy said Vaalepu was fitter and stronger than ever, and was confident the 25-year-old wouldn’t be over-awed by the situation.
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“At the end of the day it’s what players play for, to play in grand finals,” Bellamy said.
“He understands at the end of the day, how he’s feeling doesn’t mean a whole heap, it’s how he does.
Lazarus Vaalepu and Nelson Asofa-Solomona during the captain’s run on Saturday. Getty
“We know he’s capable, he’s trained well this week. He seems like a fairly relaxed kind of guy. I don’t think it’ll worry him too much.”
Asofa-Solomona was rubbed out of the grand final after failing to have a dangerous tackle charge overturned at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
In his absense, Tui Kamikamica has been elevated into the starting lineup opposite Josh King, with Vaalepu named at No.16.
Watch the 2024 NRL grand final live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The 203-game veteran has remained embedded in the Storm camp in an effort to pass on whatever wisdom he could. Bellamy said he’s paid particular attention to Vaalepu.
“He’s been really good for the whole team, especially Laz. He’s taken him under his arm a little bit, put his arms around his shoulders,” he said.
“Nelson can tip him up a bit on a couple of things – the size of the occasion and what the mentality has to be.
“Nelson has played a lot of games off the bench, so hopefully some of the advice he’s given will help Laz play well.”