Melbourne Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona shopped to rival NRL clubs
Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s future at the Melbourne Storm remains uncertain, after a third party reached out to a rival club to gauge interest in the powerhouse forward.
Michael Carayannis and
Brent Read
The future of Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona in Melbourne continues to be a discussion point after it emerged that the Warriors were asked whether they harboured any interest in the powerhouse New Zealander.
Sport Confidential was told that a third party contacted the Warriors asking whether they would be open to taking Asofa-Solomona.
It is understood the Warriors were scared off by Asofa-Solomona’s price tag - he is on a contract worth more than $800,000 a season at the Storm.
Asofa-Solomona’s future is set to be one of the most intriguing stories of the offseason given talks have also been held with breakaway rugby union competition R360 over a potential switch of codes.
Asofa-Solomona is believed to be a hit-list of potential NRL signings should R360 come to fruition.
“I’m not worried about it,” Storm captain Harry Grant said of R360.
“If any player wants to chase that opportunity and do that, good on them. Why do we hold them back or ridicule them?
”I think if that is the opportunity they want to chase, go for it. I think it’s more of a wakeup to put more time and effort into grass roots.
“Let’s put some more time and effort into development into rural and regional Queensland and NSW. There’s so many kids out there.
“There’s so many players out there that want to play NRL.”
METCALF TALKS RESUME
The Warriors have resumed contract talks with injured half Luke Metcalf as they look to lock up one of the stars of their season and keep the Perth Bears at bay.
Metcalf, off contract at the end of next season but able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, hasn’t played since injuring his knee against the Brisbane Broncos in round 17.
The Warriors had already tabled an extension to Metcalf but put talks on hold while the young playmaker underwent surgery and worked on his rehabilitation.
Sport Confidential understands that talks resumed again a fortnight ago as the Warriors tabled a revised offer to the 26-year-old aimed at ensuring he extends his time at the club.
Metcalf was one of the form players of the competition before suffering his latest knee injury - the second on his right knee.
He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to play again next season. Before then, the Warriors want to get a deal done to ensure he stays in Auckland.
LONDON CALLING FOR SLOAN
St George Illawarra winger Tyrell Sloan looms as a likely target for the London Broncos
as Brisbane legend Darren Lockyer prepares to take over the club.
Lockyer and his long-time business partner Grant Wechsel have made it clear that they want Jason Demetriou to be their inaugural coach and told a podcast in England this week that they were targeting big names in the NRL to strengthen their squad as they prepare for Super League.
Sloan has been given permission to explore his options by the Dragons and he shapes as a logical target for the London franchise if Lockyer and Wechsel succeed with their takeover plans.
The Dragons flyer is yet to attract any concrete interest in the NRL but Super League looms as a compelling option given plans for London to be part of a revamped competition.
HUGHES TARGETS MIRACLE RETURN
Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes has revealed that he hopes to make a miracle comeback and return in time for the preliminary final after undergoing surgery on the wrist he broke against Brisbane last weekend.
Hughes’ season was initially expected to be over when he left the field against the Broncos but the Melbourne maestro says that he walked out of surgery with optimism that he will play again this year.
“I had surgery obviously on the wrist - fractured my forearm,” Hughes said on the 167 podcast he shares with Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
“Came back (to Melbourne) on Friday after the game and got a scan. Then pretty much went into surgery straight away.
LAUNDYS LOVE DOGS FUTURE
The Laundy family had some pretty specific clauses put into their multimillion dollar sponsorship deal with the Bulldogs when they extended a few years ago.
One of the most important was surrounding the key personnel at the club. Sport Confidential understands that the Laundys made sure they retained the right to terminate their deal if they weren’t happy with the people in power at the Bulldogs.
The Laundys have always made it clear that where Gus goes, they go. They also have a tight relationship with Ciraldo and the decision to keep the pair guarantees the Laundys will continue their relationship with the Bulldogs for years to come.
“The clause centred around options for us basically if they had the wrong personnel in the football department or coach,” Craig Laundy said.
“”Or if we’re not happy with what the board is doing moving forward. But we’re thrilled. We’re extremely comfortable with where the club is heading.
“We are determined to be long-term partners of the Bulldogs but we needed to know that the director of football and people involved in the decision-making are people we are comfortable with.”
WHICH FANS ARE BUYING GRAND FINAL TICKETS
Canberra and Brisbane fans have dominated purchasing grand final tickets while the Sharks and the Roosters supporters are yet to be excited enough to stump up the cash for the premiership decider.
Canberra and Brisbane face off on Sunday and their fans are already showing their rock solid support. The Raiders faithful lead all finalists in terms of grand final tickets purchased with 22 per cent, one per cent more than the Broncos.
Canterbury are next best with 18 per cent before a significant drop-off for Penrith fans (seven per cent).
The Storm (six per cent) and the Warriors (five per cent) are next on the list.
The Roosters make up just two per cent of tickets purchased while Cronulla fans make up just one per cent of tickets purchased.
The NRL will run its annual grand final fantasy festival at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. The two day event will see the NRL grand final teams arrive on Thursday and the NRLW sides on Friday. Legends and players from across every club will also appear throughout the two days.
www.dailytelegraph.com.au
www.facebook.com
