LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Melbourne Storm's front-rower, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, has received a significant suspension from the match review committee (MRC), marking a serious setback for the team's premiership aspirations.
During a recent match against the Brisbane Broncos, Asofa-Solomona was sent to the sin-bin and subsequently charged with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle after tackling Ben Talty. He is facing a three-match suspension if he submits an early guilty plea.
As this is his third infraction within a year, the suspension could extend to four matches if he opts to contest the charge and the judiciary finds him guilty.
This latest MRC ruling adds to the difficulties faced by Melbourne Storm, who are also likely to be without halfback Jahrome Hughes for the rest of the season due to a suspected broken wrist.
Coach Craig Bellamy anticipates a recovery period of four to eight weeks for Hughes, stating that the team can expect to be without him for at least one more match this season. He will likely rely on either Jonah Pezet or Tyran Wishart to support Cameron Munster in the halves.
"I'm not quite sure if it's his wrist or just halfway up the forearm, but I think it's a break without a doubt," Bellamy remarked, adding, "He's in plaster already. That wasn't a great idea to put him back in this week, but anyway."