Wallabies launch raid on NRL’s ‘biggest’ star, want him to change country

The NRL’s “biggest” star has addressed rumours of a Wallabies recruitment raid with a surprise statement on which country he would represent.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 16: Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm celebrates scoring a try during the round 10 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, on May 16, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm wrecking ball Nelson Asofa-Solomona has addressed rumours of a Wallabies recruitment raid.

The Kiwi enforcer has revealed he would consider switching his national allegiance from New Zealand to play for Australia if he makes the switch to rugby.

Asofa-Solomona has told the Sydney Morning Herald, he is yet to receive a phone call from new wallabies coach Eddie Jones, despite swirling rumours he is one of the top targets on Rugby Australia’s wish list.

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“Obviously I’ve been at the Storm for such a long time,” he said.

“Coming from a rugby union background, I’ve always been enticed to go back to rugby at some stage. Just seeing the talent we have got at the Storm and the future they have, the Storm is in good hands even if I leave.

“I’m not too sure what I want to do, I change my mind every day.

“It’s hard to say [if I would join the Wallabies]. I’d be silly not to consider all my options.”

He admits it would be difficult to play against a New Zealand team, but is open to the switch to play for Australia.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images.

“You can’t rule anything out,” he said.

“Stuff crosses your mind, but it would be tough being a New Zealander. But I’ve spent a lot of time in Australia, Australia has done a lot for my family. It’s a tough question to answer.”

Jones put his recruitment raid into the public domain before he had even officially begun his tenure as returning to coach the Wallabies.

Asofa-Solomona appears to be the biggest NRL star left on Jones’ shopping list with rising star Joseph Sualii expected to remain with the Roosters and Parramatta Eels centre Will Penisini recently committing to the Eels.

Asofa-Solomona previously met with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie about switching codes when his NRL career hung in the balance.

The enforcer’s 2021 season appeared over due to his anti-vaccination stance, but the issue was cleared up and he returned to the Storm.

It wouldn’t be the first raid Jones has had on the NRL after poaching a trio of stars in the early 2000s.

Jones masterminded the poaching of Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuiqiri and Mat Rogers to join the Wallabies. Moves which helped them reach the 2003 World Cup final.

In August last year it was reported the RA hit list included the likes of Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Matt Burton.

Jones’ push to rejuvenate the Wallabies comes ahead of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour in Australia and the 2027 World Cup.