Nelson Asofa-Solomona will fly to Sydney in his bid to contest the grading of his careless high tackle charge, desperate to take the field in the grand final against the Panthers.
The hulking prop was handed a four-game ban with the early guilty plea after making contact with the head of his opposite man Lindsay Collins on Friday night.
In their bid to have Asofa-Solomona available to take the field, the Storm were successful is having the NRL fast-track the hearing from it’s usual Tuesday evening slot to Monday.
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To be cleared, the Kiwi international will need to have his charge downgraded from a grade three all the way down to a grade one offence which would incur only a fine.
If he’s unsuccessful and is found guilty of his high tackle, Asofa-Solomona will sit out for five games, with the Storm willing to take the gamble for the off chance he’s cleared to play.
Asofa-Solomona will be the only player this season to attempt a double downgrade at the judiciary.
“Melbourne Storm confirmed today they will contest the four-match suspension handed down to Nelson Asofa-Solomona by the NRL judiciary,” the club said in a statement.
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“Asofa-Solomona was charged with a Grade 3 Careless High Tackle following Friday night’s preliminary final.
“The Storm prop will appear in person for the hearing scheduled for Monday night at NRL headquarters.”
Asofa-Solomona will likely be free to return to the field in Round 2 next season should he be handed the full five-game ban.
One match will be served during the grand final, while three will be ticked off during New Zealand’s Pacific Championships campaign, meaning one more needs to be served in Round 1.
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