Phil Rothfield: Why NRL must take some blame for out-of-control Nelson Asofa-Solomona

There is a reason why Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona is the worst cheap shot merchant in rugby league, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

Compilation of Nelson Asofa-Solomona shots versus the Roosters.

There is a reason why Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona is the worst cheap shot merchant in rugby league – because the NRL judiciary system is so lenient and soft.

And former players are warning that the NRL is facing “litigation on a grand scale’’ if it does not do more to crack down on foul play that endangers players.

Asofa-Solomona has been found guilty of 10 acts of foul play over the last three years yet he has been suspended for only four games.

You go through his charges – dangerous contact to head and neck (twice).

Five careless high tackles.

Contrary conduct (twice) and then the dangerous contact (elbow to the head) on Joseph Suaalii on Friday night.

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Compilation of Nelson Asofa-Solomona shots versus the Roosters.

These are just the ones he has been charged on.

What about the disgraceful shot on Warriors hooker Wayde Egan earlier this year that knocked two of his teeth out? No action from the match review committee.

What about the knees to the head of Joey Manu at AAMI Park on Friday night. As clear as daylight. No action from the match review committee.

Back in the old days repeat offenders were heavily punished.

If a player ever walked into the old Phillip Street offices of the NSWRL to front judiciary chairman Jim Comans with a rap sheet like Asofa-Solomona, he’d be facing multiple weeks or months on the sideline. None of these pathetic fines.

This is dreadful…the current penalties are simply not an adequate deterrent.
pic.twitter.com/LoikHT2c08

— Martin Lang (@Martin_Lang11) August 27, 2022

Nelson getting busy with the knees. pic.twitter.com/9MggQVxBO3

— Russell Jackson (@rustycj) August 26, 2022

Martin Lang, the old Sharks, Panthers and Maroons Origin forward, was one of the toughest and most fearless forwards to play the game.

He is now a neuroscience expert researching contact-sport brain injuries.

Lang called Asofa-Solomona’s elbow on Suaalii “dreadful” and posted a clip of the incident on social media that has already been viewed more than 100,000 times.

He warned the NRL to take action now to avoid a disaster in years to come.

“Approximately 90 per cent of the concussive episodes I sustained throughout my career were as a result of foul play,” Lang said.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s rap sheet.

“The penalties handed down for foul play through my career were insufficient.

“It cannot continue or the NRL risks litigation on a grand scale.”

There were some interesting opinions as social media went into meltdown over the weekend around a number of grubby Melbourne Storm incidents on Friday night.

Somehow Cameron Munster got away with an elbow on Sam Walker with a concerning act letter.

Everyone loved the game on Friday night. It was like a fourth Origin game. The most brutal contest you will ever see.

Victor Radley’s dad Nigel summed up the mood well: “Games like that one will bring the crowds back– that’s what you want to see.”

However, there is no excuse for the grubbiness and the cheap shots.

Your columnist has always defended Melbourne Storm’s wrestling because every other side in the competition does it as well.

However, there is no defending players like Asofa-Solomona or his teammate and another repeat offender, Felise Kaufusi.

They need to be rubbed out of the game with long bans next time they step out of line.

Long suspensions are the most powerful foul-play deterrent and will drive behavioural change.

Originally published as Phil Rothfield: Why NRL must take some blame for out-of-control Nelson Asofa-Solomona