LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
After a disappointing performance during Craig Bellamy's 600th NRL game, Nelson Asofa-Solomona's future with the Melbourne Storm is under scrutiny. The team's promising lead of 10-0 at halftime quickly evaporated as the Roosters dominated the second half, scoring 40 unanswered points-marking the highest score ever conceded by the Storm in one half.
The game saw a critical moment early in the second half when Asofa-Solomona committed a penalty by failing to return behind the play-the-ball before handling the ball. Positioned offside, he reached out and touched the ball just as Cameron Munster was about to take possession, leading to a penalty that allowed the Roosters to set up their first of many tries by Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Asofa-Solomona, who has represented New Zealand in 14 Test matches and accumulated 213 career games with the Storm, has faced challenges this season, struggling to secure a first-grade spot and playing only 11 games to date, despite earning a reported $900,000 annually.
During the match, he had five runs for 42 metres over 42 minutes and committed three penalties, one of which resulted in him being placed on report. He has since been fined for a high shot. The player's performance sparked discussions on social media, with many fans believing that Bellamy should consider dropping him for the remainder of the season. With key players Josh King and Eli Katoa set to return after being rested for the Roosters game, Asofa-Solomona's position in the team is likely at risk.