Melbourne Storm release Nelson Asofa-Solomona from final two years of his $1.7m contract

Melbourne’s post-grand final exodus has begun with the club releasing one of its highest paid players from the final two years of his deal, while Ryan Papenhuyzen may have played his last game.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been released from the final two years of his contract. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Melbourne have found some wiggle room in their salary cap after parting ways with Nelson Asofa-Solomona, releasing the powerhouse forward from the final two years of his mega-deal so he can explore fresh “opportunities and new challenges”.

Asofa-Solomona’s departure is the first significant exit at the Storm in the wake of their grand final loss at the hands of Brisbane. It is unlikely to be the last.

Asofa-Solomona was on a deal believed to be worth about $850,000 a season but patience was wearing thin after he missed the loss to the Broncos through suspension - the second time in as many years that he had been sidelined for the grand final.

He played 215 games for the club, won two premierships in 2017 and 2020, and was honoured with life membership last year.

However, in recent seasons he has struggled to stay on the field through injury and suspension. He is now expected to play for New Zealand in the upcoming Pacific Championships, where he has the chance to showcase his ability to rival NRL clubs.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been released from the final two years of his contract. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The alternative is to pick up his career in rugby union, having held talks with rebel competition R360 and flirted with clubs in Japan in recent years.

“I have been committed to the Storm since signing as a junior in 2011,” he said.

“With over 10 years now at the top-level and given all I have achieved with the club, I have chosen to step away and consider other opportunities and new challenges.

“I’ve loved my time in Melbourne. I’m very thankful to all the players, coaches, and staff that I had the privilege to work alongside during my time at such a prestigious club.

“I also want to give a special thank you to the greater Storm family and fans for all their love and support over the last decade”.

Asofa-Solomona’s departure will provide some salary cap relief for the Storm as they look to retain the bulk of their squad for another premiership tilt next season.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona made a successful transition to boxing. Picture: Supplied

“Nelson has made a great contribution to Melbourne Storm over his 10 years at the club,” Melbourne Storm Chairman Matt Tripp said.

“While we’re disappointed to lose a player of his calibre and experience, we fully respect his decision to explore new opportunities.

“We thank Nelson for his outstanding service in the purple jersey and wish him and his family all the very best for their next chapter.

Asofa-Solomona’s departure comes as the club prepares to hold talks over the future of prop Tui Kamikamica, who is off contract at the end of the season.

Salary cap constraints had left the Storm unable to make Kamikamica a competitive offer. However, Asofa-Solomona’s exit may provide the space for the Storm to retain Kamikamica for another season.

PAPS’ CRYPTIC FAREWELL?

Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has triggered fears from loyal fans that he could be about to walk away from the game.

Either that, or the brilliant fullback is simply reflecting on his season and Melbourne’s grand final loss to the Broncos.

A major target of rebel rugby union competition R360, Papenhuyzen took to Instagram on Thursday with an unexpected post and piece of insight and wisdom which was supported by the song ‘Runaway” by American Rapper, Kanye West.

“Real peace is an inside job,’’ Penhuyzen posted.

“It comes from understanding that the game, and this life, will never go exactly as you plan.

“It comes from understanding that there are forces at play that are beyond you.

“It comes from one quiet truth:

“You gave it everything you had.

“That’s always a victory.’’

Papenhuyzen, who featured in 21 matches for the Storm last season, is believed to be weighing-up a mega offer from R360.

The social media post confirmed those fears that he was on the verge of exiting the NRL, according to many of his 239,000 followers.

“R360 confirmed,’’ Zadbod wrote.

Bronwynnn replied: “Don’t leave us”.

Another fan, harryrodskii, simply included a broken heart emoji with, “It’s confirmed”

Bumblebeetune25 wrote: “Don’t leave us bro. We love you paps.’’

Originally published as Melbourne Storm release Nelson Asofa-Solomona from final two years of his $1.7m contract