'This is my home': Asofa-Solomona secures Storm future amidst rugby interest

Nelson Asofa-Solomona had his late father’s blessing to jump ship and play with the Wallabies, but his love for Melbourne will keep him in the NRL and away from rugby union's clutches until the end of 2027.

The man mountain announced he’d penned a lengthy four-year extension immediately after being one of Storm’s best in their gritty 30-22 win over the New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park on ANZAC Day.

In doing so, he shunned an approach from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and also a offer from a Dolphins side that had already plucked Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich from Melbourne just 12 months earlier.

Asofa-Solomona grew up playing both league and union in New Zealand, and he’d long wrestled with switching back to the 15-man game.

Even his late father, Vasa, had approved the decision to shun his country of birth and play for the Wallabies despite being a “proud Kiwi.”

The 27-year-old two-time premiership front-rower said he couldn’t bring himself to turn his back on the NRL club he’s been with since 2014.

"I was seriously having a look at rugby," he admitted. "I felt like I've given a lot to rugby league and I thought I was a good chance to go to rugby.

"Of course, I'm a very proud Kiwi, but my mum and dad get the last say in everything I do in my career.

"Before my dad passed away, he said to me 'I just want you to be happy, I don't mind if you play for the Wallabies'.

At the end of the day, I just love the Storm too much and this is my home.

Melbourne forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona

"I know my mum and dad will be pretty happy and I'm really happy to be staying on with the club for another four years."

Asofa-Solomoma had an immediate impact in his return from a knee injury on Tuesday night, coming off the bench to accumulate 168 run metres, including 72 post contact metres, in just 59 minutes of game time.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy described the re-signing of the Kiwi monster as “massive for the club” following a “rollercoaster” contract negotiation.

“He’s quite unique in what he can do on the footy field,” Bellamy said.

“All the guys really respect him with what he brings to the team off the field as well.

“It’s a great thing for the club.

“Our chairman (Matt Tripp) just announced it, I didn’t even know myself today.”

Storm skipper and fellow front-rower Christian Welch said he was delighted to have Asofa-Solomona remain alongside him in the Melbourne forward pack.

“This club is probably based on toilers and guys who work hard but probably don't have the explosive impact of Nelson," Welch said.

"He's a real difference-maker for our forward pack and he can really blow that defensive line up.

"I'm really pleased he's stayed; he's such a great guy and he could probably pick and choose wherever he wanted to go so we're really happy to have him."

The sixth-placed Storm now have the bye before next facing the Rabbitohs in Magic Round on Saturday week.