We take a closer look at Lazarus Vaalepu, the man Craig Bellamy and Melbourne Storm are tasking with replacing Nelson Asofa-Solomona for the grand final against Penrith.

The Storm have suffered a monumental blow with man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona to miss Sunday’s grand final showdown with Penrith after he failed in his bid to have a grade three careless high tackle reduced at the judiciary.

After a horror run of serious leg and ankle injuries, the 26-year-old fullback declared he was back at top speed and in the same form that brought him the 2020 Clive Churchill Medal as best player in Melbourne’s last grand final win, which came against Penrith.

Melbourne Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona must fight a suspension at the NRL judiciary or miss next Sunday's grand final.

Melbourne prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has arrived at a fast-tracked NRL judiciary hearing in a bid to be cleared to play in the grand final.

Melbourne Storm officials are believed to be bitterly disappointed with the hefty charge handed down to Nelson Asofa-Solomona as they prepare to fight for his grand final future at a fast-tracked hearing on Monday night.

Melbourne and Sydney face off in the finals for the fifth time in 10 years as they bid for a spot in the NRL grand final. Follow live.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona will require a minor miracle to play in the NRL grand final, after the Melbourne enforcer was hit with a grade-three high tackle charge. Asofa-Solomona received the worst possible news on Saturday morning when told he was facing a four-match ban even with an early guilty plea.

Melbourne's Nelson Asofa-Solomona will miss the NRL grand final after failing to have his high tackle charge downgraded.

The Storm giant will miss five matches, including the bumper clash with Penrith at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.