NRL grand final team lists: Penrith set for major boost as Storm lock in Nelson Asofa-Solomona replacement
Updated . First published at
Minor premiers Melbourne will take on the Panthers in this year's NRL grand final, with the two best teams in the competition making it through to the big dance.
However, the Storm will be without star enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona due to suspension after a controversial high shot on Lindsay Collins in last weekend's prelim.
The 28-year-old has copped a five-game ban and won't return until round two next year.
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For the reigning champs, Scott Sorensen is closing in on a return from injury in the back-row, giving Penrith a timely boost.
Scott Sorensen is set to return from injury for Penrith. Getty
The match officials have also been locked in, Ashley Klein has been appointed as referee, marking the third time he will be in charge of the NRL decider in his career.
"Ashley has been excellent in the finals series and comes with enormous experience in big games," referees boss Jared Maxwell said.
"He refereed in all three State of Origins this year, and has shown the required consistency and aptitude throughout 2024.
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"Very recently, Ashley celebrated his 400th game as an NRL referee. He has also refereed in 28 finals matches and 17 State of Origins.
"That experience will be invaluable in a premiership decider. Ashley is the best referee for the job based on performances this year and throughout the finals series."
Ashley Klein has been appointed for the grand final. Getty
Grant Atkins will act as the Bunker official for the clash, with David Munro and Chris Sutton confirmed as the sideline officials.
In the NRLW grand final, Cronulla will take on the Roosters in a star-studded battle, with Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski confirmed as the lead referee.
The teams for both matches will be announced at 4pm AEST.
NRL GRAND FINAL
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers, Accor Stadium (7.30pm)
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Joe Chan 20. Kane Bradley 21. Tepai Moeroa 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Nelson Asofa-Solomona won't play in the grand final. Getty
Storm team news: With prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona out due to suspension, Tui Kamikamica comes into the starting side and Lazarus Vaalepu joins the bench. No other changes to the Melbourne squad from the prelim final.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Scott Sorensen 20. Trent Toelau 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
Panthers team news: No changes at this stage, but the looming return of Scott Sorensen could be a huge boost for the reigning premiers. If he is cleared to play, Luke Garner will likely drop to the bench and Matt Eisenhuth will miss out.
NRLW GRAND FINAL
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks, Accor Stadium (3.55pm)
Jess Sergis will start in the centres. Getty
Roosters: 1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Brydie Parker 6. Jocelyn Kelleher 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Otesa Pule 11. Amber Hall 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Tiana Davison 14. Tavarna Papalii 15. Jasmine Strange 16. Samantha Economos 17. Pani Hopoate 18. Mia Wood 19. Mya Hill-Moana 20. Taina Naividi 21. Eliza Lopamaua 22. Shannon Rose
Roosters team news: After a successful return last weekend, Jess Sergis will start at centre, pushing Jasmin Strange to the bench.
Sharks: 1. Emma Tonegato 2. Cassie Staples 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Georgia Hannaway 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Holli Wheeler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Filomina Hanisi 15. Manilita Takapautolo 16. Vanessa Foliaki 17. Tegan Dymock 19. Nakia Davis-Welsh 20. Chloe Saunders 21. Dominique Du Toit 22. Sharni Smale 23. Leki Leilua
Sharks team news: Holli Wheeler comes back into the starting forward pack after missing last weekend due to suspension. Tegan Dymock shifts to the bench for the decider and Chloe Saunders misses out.
NRL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Newtown Jets vs Norths Devils, Accor Stadium (1.20pm)
Braden Hamlin-Uele. Getty
Newtown: 1. Liam Ison 2. Tom Rodwell 3. Chris Veaila 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Khaled Rajab 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Tuku Hau Tapuha 11. Kyle Pickering 12. Billy Burns 13. Blake Hosking 15. Jordin Leiu 17. Billy Magoulias 18. Samuel Healey 19. Bradley Fearnley 14. Rhys Dakin 21. Josh Cook 22. Jordan Swann 25. Jackson Ferris 26. Tyla Tamou
Norths: 1. Jordan Lipp 2. Blake Paskins 3. Tesi Niu 4. Jacob Gagan 5. Manase Kaho 6. Jack Wright 7. Jack Ahearn 8. Cooper Jenkins 9. Kierran Moseley 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Jeremiah Simbiken 13. Mason Teague 16. Sam Elliott 17. Julian Christian 18. Campbell Duffy 20. George Fai 15. James Flack 10. Wyatt Reynolds 14. Zak Mcguire 19. Zach Brooks
