Nelson Asofa-Solomona Discusses Potential Eels Move: Storm Giant Opens Up on Exit, Mental Health, and Rediscovering His Love for Rugby League after learning new Eel’s mouth watering proposal—Contract details revealed…
After years of dominance in the purple jersey, Melbourne Storm powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona has spoken for the first time since his sudden departure from the club — and his words reveal a man seeking peace, purpose, and perhaps a fresh beginning.
The towering Kiwi forward, known for his brutal physicality and unmatched impact in the middle, parted ways with the Storm last month despite having two years remaining on his contract. His exit shocked both fans and teammates, leaving many to wonder what went wrong for one of the NRL’s most imposing figures.
Now, Asofa-Solomona has opened up about his decision, his state of mind, and the persistent whispers linking him to a move to the Parramatta Eels.
“I Just Needed a Break”
Speaking exclusively to The Daily Telegraph, the 28-year-old admitted the past two years have taken a toll on him — both physically and mentally — prompting him to step back from the game to reset his focus.
> “I just need a bit of time off,” he said. “It’s been a crazy couple of years — a lot has happened on and off the field. I just want to take a breath, spend time with family, and figure out what’s next.”
For Asofa-Solomona, rugby league has always been more than a career — it’s been an escape, a source of identity, and a form of expression. But in recent seasons, the pressure and scrutiny of the NRL spotlight began to blur his enjoyment.
> “When you’re in the system for so long, it’s easy to forget why you started playing in the first place,” he explained. “I love the game, but I’ve got to make sure I love myself in it too.”
The Exit That Shocked the NRL
Asofa-Solomona’s exit from Melbourne didn’t come with fireworks — but it did come with surprise. The club and player mutually agreed to part ways, a decision that left Storm fans reeling.
Having been with Melbourne since debuting in 2015, Asofa-Solomona had built a reputation as one of the most destructive forwards in the competition. Standing at 200cm and weighing 130kg, he was a nightmare matchup — capable of flattening defenders with brute strength and generating offloads that turned games on their heads.
Across nine seasons, he played over 180 games for the Storm, contributing to three premierships (2017, 2020, and 2021) and cementing himself as a cornerstone of Craig Bellamy’s forward pack.
But behind the highlights, Asofa-Solomona admits he was struggling to balance the demands of professional sport with his mental wellbeing.
> “People see the big hits, the wins, the trophies — but they don’t see what goes on behind the scenes,” he reflected. “Sometimes you’ve just got to take a step back before you break.”
The Mental Toll of the Modern Game
The 2020s have seen a cultural shift in rugby league, with increasing openness around mental health. For Asofa-Solomona, acknowledging that vulnerability is part of what gives him strength.
He’s been open in the past about his spiritual journey and how faith and family anchor him through adversity.
> “I’ve always said footy doesn’t define me. It’s what I do, not who I am,” he said. “When I’m ready, I’ll be back — and I want to come back loving the game again.”
Sources close to the Kiwi forward suggest he’s spent time in both New Zealand and Sydney in recent weeks, reconnecting with loved ones and considering his next step.
The Parramatta Eels Link
Among the many rumours swirling around Asofa-Solomona’s next move, one name keeps resurfacing — the Parramatta Eels.
The Eels, still searching for a dominant front-rower to complement Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, are reportedly interested in luring the Kiwi international to Sydney’s west.
It’s a move that makes sense on several fronts. The Eels have been vocal about reshaping their roster after missing the 2024 finals, and new football boss Mark O’Neill has publicly stated that the club is open to bringing in experienced, high-impact forwards.
Asofa-Solomona, meanwhile, grew up admiring several Parramatta greats and has long been close with former Eels prop Tim Mannah, who remains an ambassador for the club.
When asked about the potential move, Nelson didn’t rule it out — but made clear that any decision will come only after he feels mentally ready.
> “Parramatta’s a great club — a proud club,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for the Eels and what they stand for. But right now, my focus is just on getting my head right. When that’s sorted, we’ll see what happens.”
Storm Legacy and What Comes Next
Despite his exit, Asofa-Solomona insists there’s no bad blood with Melbourne or coach Craig Bellamy, describing the Storm as “family forever.”
> “Melbourne made me who I am — they took a young kid from Wellington and turned me into a man,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful to Craig and the club for that. There’s no drama, no hard feelings. It was just time.”
Bellamy, for his part, praised Asofa-Solomona’s contribution when the departure was announced, calling him “one of the most gifted forwards the club has ever seen.”
Whether he returns to the NRL next season or takes his talents overseas — with Super League and rugby union offers reportedly on the table — Asofa-Solomona says he’ll make the decision that best serves both his career and his wellbeing.
> “There’s still plenty of good footy in me,” he smiled. “But I want to make sure when I come back, I’m the best version of myself — not just for my team, but for my family and my fans.”
A Gentle Giant Finding Balance
Those who know Asofa-Solomona describe him as both fierce and gentle — a warrior on the field, but deeply reflective off it. He’s been involved in community work, youth mentoring, and faith-based outreach programs, often encouraging young players to prioritise mental strength as much as physical preparation.
> “We’re all human at the end of the day,” he said. “You can’t tackle life like a game of footy. Sometimes you’ve got to slow down, breathe, and take stock.”
That self-awareness, combined with his formidable presence, makes him one of the most intriguing free agents in rugby league today.
—
The Road Ahead
For now, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is keeping things simple — resting, healing, and spending time with those who matter most. But if the passion returns, the NRL could soon witness the rebirth of one of its most intimidating forces.
And if that rebirth happens to be in blue and gold, the Parramatta Eels could be the biggest beneficiaries.
> “Whatever happens, happens,” he concluded. “All I know is I still love this game — I just need to fall in love with it again.”
At 28, with size, skill, and experience on his side, Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s story is far from over.
Whether he returns as an Eel, a Storm legend reborn, or a globetrotting forward chasing peace, one thing is certain — rugby league hasn’t seen the last of the gentle giant from Wellington.
Leave a Reply