Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm looks on from the sideline, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Melbourne Storm have been dealt a blow ahead of the NRL grand final with their Kiwi prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona ruled out through suspension.
Asofa-Solomona was found guilty of a Grade 3 Careless High Tackle at the NRL judiciary on Monday night.
He had hoped to have the charge downgraded.
Asofa-Solomona was charged with a Grade 3 Careless High Tackle following an incident involving Roosters prop Lindsay Collins in the opening minute of the game at AAMI Park.
Because of previous offences the 28 year old faced a four-game ban with an early guilty plea or five matches if he challenged the charge and was found guilty at the panel.
He will now miss five games including those for the Kiwis in the Pacific Championship.
"I'm obviously really disappointed with the result but I had a fair hearing," Asofa-Solomona told the NRL after the hearing.
"All of my energy is going to go towards my team getting the result on Sunday."
The Storm play the Penrith Panthers in the NRL grand final in Sydney on Sunday night.
