Let off for Storm as New Zealand games included in Asofa-Solomona ban
Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona will only miss his side's NRL opener in 2025 following the ban that forced the Melbourne enforcer to miss the grand final.
Asofa-Solomona was banned for four games and missed the NRL decider after being found guilty of a grade three dangerous high tackle in the preliminary final against the Roosters.
He fronted the judiciary to try and downgrade the charge to make the grand final but was rejected, increasing his ban to five games.
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Lindsay Collins is collected high by Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Nine
But it has now been ruled that New Zealand's three Tests in the Pacific Championship will count as part of his five-game ban, meaning he will serve just one NRL game next year.
It is a major win for the Storm as the hulking prop will be available for round two.
Watch the 2024 Pacific Championships on Nine and 9Now.
