Storm giant finally gets a crack amid superstar returns

Melbourne’s man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona will play his first game for the Storm this season in Thursday night’s blockbuster against a Roosters side that welcomes back skipper James Tedesco from the concussion protocols.

Asofa-Solomona battled a hamstring injury in the pre-season and was forced to bide his time in the NSW Cup, but he’ll start at Allianz Stadium with the Storm short on starting middles after Tui Kamikamica succumbed to a calf strain.

Tedesco’s return pushes Joseph Manu back to the centres after his incredible performance at fullback against Newcastle, with Sam Walker named on an extended bench and a chance to play after he missed last week’s win due to a head knock.

Storm giant finally gets a crack amid superstar returns

Zac Lomax will finally get a chance to play in his preferred position at right centre with Jack Bird (concussion protocols) ruled out, which sees Christian Tuipulotu get a chance on the wing against the Warriors.

There’s mixed news at Penrith with halfback Nathan Cleary set to miss a third match due to a hamstring injury, but Jarome Luai and Scott Sorensen have been cleared to take on the Tigers.

The visitors have received a major boost with Lachie Galvin returning from suspension for the trip to Bathurst, while the Fainu brothers and John Bateman have also been named alongside Brent Naden who starts at right centre.

The Sea Eagles have received a quadruple boost for their trip to the Gold Coast with Jason Saab, Reuben Garrick and Nathan Brown all returning, while Matt Lodge has been named to play his first game since recovering from an ACL tear.

He’ll start in the front row with Josh Aloiai suspended, while Titans coach Des Hasler has been forced into a major change against his former side with Phillip Sami to start at the back in place of Jayden Campbell (knee).

The Broncos are still without Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas for their game against Canberra, with the Green Machine making one forced change with Ata Mariota replacing the injured Zac Hosking.

There’s great news for the Knights with Kalyn Ponga overcoming a hip injury for the game against the Bulldogs who have retained Connor Tracey at fullback, with Blake Taaffe returning from concussion via the bench.

And Samuel Stonestreet will make his NRL debut for the Sharks in place of the suspended Sione Katoa, while the Cowboys have lost Murray Taulagi to a hamstring injury.