LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
2024 NRL Grand Final: Bellamy Mulling Late Line-up Change
Melbourne Storm's mastermind, Craig Bellamy, is contemplating a game-changing maneuver for the impending 2024 NRL Grand Final showdown on Sunday evening.
According to reports from zerotackle.com, the wily coach is pondering the inclusion of young gun Lazarus Vaalepu on the interchange bench for the clash against the Penrith Panthers.
However, Bellamy is leaving the door open for a last-minute switcheroo, with the experienced Joe Chan potentially filling Vaalepu's boots.
Vaalepu, who initially joined the Storm on a short-term trial from the Penrith Panthers, has exceeded expectations and secured a contract extension until the next season.
With a modest salary of $80,000, the 25-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since his debut in Round 20 against the Sydney Roosters.
His impressive stats include a try, five tackle busts, 109.3 post-contact metres, 82 tackles, and 270 total running metres in just 119 minutes of play.
"We haven't quite locked in the decision yet.
We'll suss things out at training today and see how we roll," Bellamy commented on Thursday, keeping his cards close to his chest as the big game looms.