Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona is set to hit a milestone 150 NRL games this weekend against the Dragons at AAMI Park.
Hailing from New Zealand, the now Kiwi international started his junior football with the Wellington College and the Upper Hutt Tigers before being signed to Storm as part of the Club’s U20s program after a successful schoolboys stint playing rugby union. Asofa-Solomona scored 13 tries from 21 games for the Thunderbolts in the National Youth Competition before getting a taste of reserve-grade football with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The prop forward went on to make his NRL debut in 2015 as a 19-year old during Storm’s Round 8 meeting with arch-rival Manly at AAMI Park.
A one-club man, the prop is a two-time Storm Premiership player after coming off the bench in Melbourne’s 2017 triumph over North Queensland and starting at lock in Storm’s 2020 victory against the Panthers. In addition to his two premierships, Asofa-Solomona also featured in Storm’s 2018 World Club Challenge win over Leeds Rhinos, also claiming the Man of the Match award against the Super League champions.
The Wellington-born forward holds an impressive 116 wins during his 149 NRL games with Storm, going at an enviable 78% win rate. Loved for his ability as an unstoppable force on the field, the big man has scored 23 tries, made 412 tackle-breaks and recorded 15,245 run metres during his time in first grade.
During this time, the 26-year-old has also gone on to represent New Zealand on six occasions, including at the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.
A gentle giant with a kind heart, Asofa-Solomona has filled a big role off the field in Melbourne in recent years, a contribution just as big as his impact on it.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
149 NRL Games
23 Tries
2017 Premiership
2018 World Club Challenge
2020 Premiership
2018 World Club Challenge – Man of the Match
2017 Sprit of ANZAC Medal
