Nelson Asofa-Solomona has revealed the hilarious moment he was named a Storm life member, questioning why he was being called into Melbourne’s football manager’s office.
The front row enforcer played his 200th NRL game on Saturday, beating the Dolphins 48-6 to clinch the 2024 minor premiership after the Panthers lost to the Raiders.
Asofa-Solomona’s first grade career began in 2015, becoming a mainstay member of Melbourne’s forward pack under Craig Bellamy.
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The hulking prop conceded: “It’s a bit overwhelming to be honest, it’s such a big week and my emotions got the best of me walking out but it’s all about getting a win” post match.
However, one moment during the week will stick with the Kiwi international.
With his 200th game looming, Asofa-Solomona was going about his business before Frank Ponissi, Melbourne’s general manager of football, called him in to his office.
“I was walking through the tunnel there during the week and Frank (Ponissi) passed my by and said ‘mate can you see me in my office’,” he said.
“I just went through every bad thing that I’ve done in my head, what did I post on Instagram? I go into his office, he was like ‘mate, sit down, nothing to worry about’.
“He just said we are going to make you a life member and I was just, still in shock.”
Asofa-Solomona was inducted into the prestigious club on Wednesday night alongside current teammates Christian Welch and Cameron Munster as well as staff member Ashley Tucker.
Asofa-Solomona has also been in the headlines this season, with reports surfacing regarding a rift between the prop and coach Bellamy.
Despite rumblings he was set to depart Melbourne, Asofa-Solomona made it clear he has enjoyed the “chaos”, having signed a fresh contract in 2023 that extends until the end of 2028.
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“I love it to be honest, all the chat. I operate well in the chaos when my back’s against the wall, it’s what makes me hungry,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“So yeah, pretty happy with how today turned out to be honest and still soaking it in to be honest.”
Meanwhile, the gun forward also paid tribute to former Storm teammates Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, who featured for the Dolphins on Saturday.
“Massive part of my career and man I can’t thank those guys enough to be honest, just observing them over the years,” he said.
“Big shout out to Jesse, he’s been a massive mentor to me and I can’t thank that guy enough, he’s my brother.”
In an ominous warning to the rest of the competition, the prop was also asked about the minor premiership victory, replying: “It’s good but we want the other one”.
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