After more than a decade in Melbourne, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is on the lookout for a new home in 2026.
The Storm confirmed on Thursday that the towering prop would be released effective immediately, despite still being contracted for another two seasons.
The 29-year-old had fallen out of favour with Craig Bellamy after a string of injuries and suspensions, including being barred from the last two grand finals.
If Asofa-Solomona is to stay in rugby league, he will likely have to take a significant pay cut on the reported contract worth upwards of $850,000 per season that he was going to receive in Melbourne.
The Sporting News breaks down who should be in the hunt for Asofa-Solomona's signature.
MORE: Could 2026 be the last stand for Melbourne's premier core?
Who should sign Nelson Asofa-Solomona after Storm exit?
5. New Zealand Warriors
A homecoming for Asofa-Solomona could be the right situation to revitalise his career.
The Warriors are an ascending team who had their depth tested in 2025 due to a brutal run of injuries to some of their key men.
Given Asofa-Solomona's history of extended time on the sidelines, powerbrokers in Auckland could be apprehensive about bringing him into their squad.
However, with James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, Jackson Ford and Demitric Vaimauga already in their ranks, the 200 centimetre, 115 kilogram prop could provide immense value in short spurts.
4. Manly Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles were crying out all season for a difference-maker in the middle of the field, making Asofa-Solomona a great fit.
The club recently announced the signing of Davvy Moale who they would envision as their long-term solution at the position, however, he doesn't arrive on the Northern Beaches until 2027.
Since arriving in Manly, Anthony Seibold has had no issue with employing mercenaries in the front-row to tide them over until they could finally land a big fish in the free agent market.
At this stage of his career, there might not be a better hired gun than Asofa-Solomona to come in and give your side instant impact in the forwards.
3. Canterbury Bulldogs
One of the knocks on the Bulldogs in 2025 was that their forward pack was too small.
There wouldn't be a faster way to change that narrative than signing Asofa-Solomona who is an absolute giant.
Incumbent prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita is still without a deal for the 2026 season, so if Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo want to pivot, they would have the flexibility in their salary cap to do so.
All of a sudden, the Bulldogs could run out a front-row that features Max King, Leo Thompson and Asofa-Solomona which is a terrifying prospect for rival clubs to consider.
2. St. George Dragons
Much like the Sea Eagles, the Dragons have cycled through ageing props in recent seasons looking for a reliable answer at the position.
It wasn't that long ago that Asofa-Solomona was considered one of the most destructive forwards in the competition.
Considering how young most of the Dragons roster is, Shane Flanagan has the flexibility to take a gamble on the Kiwi international to see if he can rekindle some of that old form before they enter their premiership window.
Of any of the other NRL clubs in the market for a front-rowers, they seem to be the perfect suitors to capitalise on a buy-low spot for Asofa-Solomona at this stage of his career.
1. R360
This is a no brainer.
If the Saudi-backed league wants to throw substantial cash at Asofa-Solomona, then why shouldn't he go and try his hand at the 15-man code.
Growing up in Wellington, New Zealand, rugby union is in his blood. He would also be a star attraction just based on his physical profile as an extraordinary athlete.
It's been widely reported that despite being given permission to explore his options with rival clubs in the NRL earlier this season, Asofa-Solomona couldn't find a landing spot.
He might even be joined in the R360 competition by former Storm teammates Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster who are nearing the end of their deals in Melbourne.