Former Melbourne Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona has confirmed that a move to rugby union is firmly on the table as he contemplates the next chapter of his career following 11 years with the Storm.
The 29-year-old Kiwi forward was granted a release from the final two years of his Melbourne Storm contract, reportedly worth $850,000 a season, to “explore new opportunities”.
Asofa-Solomona played 215 games for the Storm, winning two NRL premierships, but disciplinary issues and a falling out of favour with coach Craig Bellamy contributed to his early departure.
Despite stepping away from club football, the hulking front-rower is still preparing for this weekend’s Pacific Championships opener, with New Zealand set to host Samoa in Auckland on Sunday.
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Ahead of the clash, the powerhouse forward revealed on a New Zealand radio show that he is keeping his options open for the next stage of his career, refusing to rule anything out.
“I’m pretty blessed to have some options … I could not tell you what I’m going to do,” Asofa-Solomona told radio station Newstalk ZB.
“I need to sit down, write things out, and make a sound decision, but I’m not closing the door on league or rugby.”
The New Zealand representative revealed that the breakaway rugby union competition R360 has approached him, but, like several other players in similar situations, he is “waiting to see how that unfolds”.
“It’s been a long journey with the Storm since 2011. But it’s time for something fresh, the next chapter,” he said.
“I have been approached by R360 and that’s the option I’m blessed with but what everyone is waiting for is to see how it unfolds … It’s more of just a waiting game.
“It [rugby] is an option but then again I love the game of rugby league – it’s so exciting – that’s what I love about the game.”