LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Melbourne Storm have been dealt a devastating blow ahead of the grand final, with enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona facing a four-game ban after a high shot on Roosters player Lindsay Collins in Friday night's preliminary final win.
Collins was forced to sit out due to a Category 1 concussion, and Asofa-Solomona now looks likely to miss the grand final unless he can overturn the charge at the NRL judiciary.
Coach Craig Bellamy expressed his disappointment, stating, "You'd hate to see him miss a big game.
I didn't think it was a sin bin.
Penalty, I thought it was fair enough, but that's just me.
I've seen it live and seen one replay, and that was my impression ...
I didn't think there was a whole lot in it."
Asofa-Solomona, a Kiwi international, will need to either accept the ban with an early guilty plea or challenge it at the judiciary, with the risk of a longer suspension if unsuccessful.
Fans have erupted over the incident, adding to the drama leading up to the grand final.