Nelson Asofa-Solomona reveals the real reason behind his decision to abandon a stellar Storm stint
Former Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona has revealed what was behind his call to leave Melbourne, and whether his future lays in boxing, the Eels, or something else entirely.
David Riccio
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has offered his most expansive interview this year, stepping forward to discuss every facet of his future including his interest in joining the Parramatta Eels.
With no subject off limits, Asofa-Solomona also detailed the reason for his shock exit from the Storm after 10 years, the lure of joining rebel rugby union competition R360, his passion for boxing and why he may join former Melbourne teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen in taking an untold break from professional sport.
A member of the Kiwis Pacific Championships squad, the 201cm tall forward with an imposing and dominant physical presence will miss the championship final against Samoa on Sunday at CommBank Stadium after being ruled out with a calf injury.
The injury blow is yet another chapter in the rollercoaster career of the man affectionately known as ‘NAS’ - just four weeks after being released from the Storm with two years left on his contract.
“I just need a bit of time off. It’s been a crazy past couple of years,” Asofa-Solomona told this masthead.
“I think I need to find a bit of joy back into the game...back into my game. If I was to stay in rugby league, I’d probably try and find a place where I can enjoy my football again.
“That’s pretty much what it is, bro - just trying to find the love for something.”
EEL DEAL
A well-spoken and measured Asofa-Solomona didn’t duck the question about his connection to Eels coach Jason Ryles and the prospect of him joining Parramatta next season.
“I’m not going to say no (to that idea),” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I’m going to really assess and have a look at every option that is out there.
I’ve obviously got a really good relationship with Rylsey. He was supposed to sign with the club (Storm) in 2023 and that didn’t eventuate, but we’ve got a really close relationship.
He says he has a great relationship with Ryles as a coach and mate.
“He’s someone that I can go too and have a coffee with. He can be a mate and he’s also that guy you don’t want to get angry,” he said.
“That’s what every player yearns for in a relationship with a coach and as a friend, as well.”
SO LONG STORM
Asofa-Solomona has been a central figure and destructive point of difference to the Storm forward pack since his debut in 2015.
He played 215 games under Craig Bellamy and won premierships in 2017 and 2020.
However, it’s the pain of being suspended for the past two grand finals against Penrith and Brisbane that has taken its toll on the 29-year-old.
Former Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona has revealed what was behind his call to leave Melbourne, and whether his future lays in boxing, the Eels, or something else entirely.
“Missing two grand finals in a row, it does a lot to you,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“Me missing it and the boys losing it, you can probably understand where “Paps‘’ (Papenhuyzen) head is at.
“It takes a toll on you and it carries a lot of weight.
“I’m sure if people are fair dinkum about mental health... put yourself in our shoes and humanise these (NRL players) guys a bit.
“Because we’re all human and it’s very tough to come back from.”
MY MATE PAPS
Asofa-Solomona smiles when he considers how a hulking prop-forward could become close mates with a fleet-footed fullback in Papenhuyzen.
But his demeanour changed to one of compassion when explaining why he understands Papenhuyzen’s decision to take time away from the game.
“I was even looking at having a full year off also and just focus on my mental health,” he said.
“We live in a different age of phones and it’s really frying everyone’s dopamine receptors and you have to get away.
He (Papenhuyzen) just needs a mental break, time away just to reassess and find out is this (NRL) for me?
“Do I try something else? That’s all it really is, you just need time to heal.”
He admits he and Papenhuyzen are close.
“That’s grown over the years, who would’ve thought me and him would be really good mates, but we are,” he said.
“I really care about him and I’m happy he made that decision because I’m not surprised he left the Storm... I’m not surprised. He needs to find the love for it again as well.”
THE SCRUTINY
Asofa-Solomona has never been far from the headlines throughout his career, be it through his ability to avoid suspension on the field, or over the past two years, the consistent speculation over the Storm’s return on investment from his $800,000 contract.
“I’m good at blocking it out,” Asofa-Solomona, who managed 12 NRL games this year, said.
“I’ve been around for a long time, so I can cope with it. But I wouldn’t want some of these young guys to go through what I’m going through.
They’ve approached me, but there’s so many boxes left to tick to even consider it,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“It sounds exciting, it sounds cool, a lot of money there.
“It would be cool to travel the world, but there are so many things that need to be ticked before anyone gives it the tick of approval to go ahead.
“There’s nowhere to sign at the moment.
“But it’s an option.”
OVERSEAS RUGBY
Interestingly, Asofa-Solomona suggested that a stint in French or Japanese rugby union wasn’t on his priority list.
“I’m trying to find something that gets me up in the morning and I just don’t feel like playing in France or somewhere, just does (it for me),” Asofa-Solomona, who played 16 Tests for New Zealand, said.
“Even Super Rugby has been an option and even though playing for the All Blacks would be such a long shot, you never say no, sometimes if that fire is there, you’ve got to chase it.
“I just don’t feel like France or Japan will give me that fire at the moment.”
