‘He’s been really good for our footy side’: Storm veteran backs Lazarus Vaalepu to handle the GF hype if the rookie prop is picked

Veteran Storm prop Christian Welch has backed rookie big man Lazarus Vaalepu to handle the occasion after being thrust into the grand final side to replace Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who copped a five-game ban at the judiciary on Monday night.

The monster ban is a huge blow for the minor premiers given his huge frame leads to quick play the balls, bulk offloads and powerful carries that skittle defenders, while he also acts as a terrific decoy.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who spoke to Asofa-Solomona after the hearing, told the Today Show on Tuesday that while it was “really disappointing for him and really disappointing for our team” that it was crucial they all “move on and get ready for Sunday”.

That means coming up with a different plan, and Bellamy has opted to put Vaalepu on the bench for Sunday’s main event.

Vaalepu, 25, has played just seven NRL games, although he didn’t get on the field when the Storm last faced Penrith back in round 24.

The 119 kilo wrecking ball, who was born in Penrith, has played just 127 minutes this season but was terrific in his only start against the Cowboys when he scored a try.

“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.

“Having a guy like Lazarus or Joe Chan come in would be great because they’ve shown all year that they can contribute positively and help get us to where we are.”

Asofa-Solomona’s ban could lead to Welch’s return to the starting side after he came off the bench late and played a season-low eight minutes in last week’s big win over the Roosters.

“You blink and all of a sudden you’re the old guy,” he said, with the veteran prop known for his ability to pressure Nathan Cleary’s kicking in the big games.

“We’re going to have to work really hard on Sunday against a pretty formidable Penrith forward pack which includes James Fisher-Harris who’s in the top three props in the world, and then you’ve got Moses Leota and Isaah Yeo.

“I don’t know if it means I’ll play more minutes or if I’ll just be a steadying influence through the week and before the game to keep the group calm.

“I’m just happy to contribute how I can because I love the team and everyone in the organisation.”

Welch still has two years left to run on his deal – the 2026 season is a mutual option – but the veteran has been linked with a move to the Broncos in 2025.

But that’s not on his radar, with the former rep star keen to stay at the club that handed him his debut and made him a life member earlier this year alongside Asofa-Solomona and great mate Cameron Munster, who will be a groomsman at his wedding.

“I’m contracted and have been here since I was 18,” said Welch, who has had to deal with several serious injuries during his career.

“Unless people know something that I don’t, I’m pretty sure I’ll be starting the pre-season in purple.

“I’m not looking to leave at all.

“It’s pretty amazing how successful the club has been this year, and to be a small part of that has been really pleasing.

“I love the Melbourne Storm. I’ve been here for 12 years and this will be my fourth grand final. I’ve loved every minute of it.”