Melbourne big Nelson Asofa-Solomona has reaffirmed his dedication to the Storm saying he desires to repay his teammates after letting them down final season.
Asofa-Solomona performed his first NRL recreation of the season in Thursday evening’s win over the Roosters after spending two weeks with North Sydney in reserve grade.
The 28-year previous was dogged by rumours of a possible exit from the Storm amid a troublesome pre-season which was marked by repeated accidents however Asofa-Solomona says he is eager to remain in Melbourne till the top of his present deal in 2027.
“I am dedicated to the Storm. I signed for 4 years and I need to see out my contract,” Asofa-Solomona stated.
“For rumours to get thrown round like that, my identify to get thrown by means of the mud like that, it is fallacious. Folks near me knew the reality.
“That is what will get the clicks. My family members know the reality. For me, I simply management what I can management and I am unable to management what folks say on the surface.
“All I can do is play good footy and let my footy do the speaking.”
Asofa-Solomona performed 32 minutes within the win over the Tricolours however his recreation time is predicted to rise as he regains his health.
“I got here again on Tuesday, did it once more on the again finish of the session. I missed the 2 weeks (of a pre-season camp) in Geelong then did it once more.
“So I did it thrice however it’s what it’s, it is a part of the sport, you simply have to return again and put within the work.
“It was good to get a few video games on the Bears, it actually made me really feel grateful for the alternatives I’ve on the Storm.”
Asofa-Solomona is aiming to be a special participant in 2024 – he admits he let the Storm down final yr as he allowed his aggression to get the higher of him at essential factors.
Craig Bellamy stated defence was the New Zealand worldwide’s major focus in opposition to the Roosters and Asofa-Solomona desires to rise to satisfy the Storm coaches excessive expectations of each his facet and Asofa-Solomona himself.
“I spoke to Craig and he desires to carry these excessive requirements this yr. We had an in-depth discuss, one-on-one. He desires these excessive requirements and I’ve to respect that and do what I am instructed as a result of he is the one who picks the crew,” Asofa-Solomona stated.
“Typically you’ll be able to take issues with no consideration. Going again to the Bears made me grateful what I had right here.
“I had an excellent discuss with the coaches and it is about making use of that vitality in the best locations. I felt like final yr I let my crew down being aggressive, too aggressive, and making foolish errors of judgement, attempting to get into scuffles.
“It is not a part of my recreation anymore, I am attempting to rub it out and do what’s proper for the crew. I am a lover, not a fighter – however once we cross that white line it is enterprise.”
