‘I was a good chance to go’: Storm beast’s shock rugby reveal as Bellamy handed ‘massive’ boost

Explosive ahead Nelson Asofa-Solomona has declared his “love” of the Melbourne Storm as the important thing issue why he has shunned a transfer to rugby union to re-sign with the NRL membership for an additional 4 years.

Asofa-Solomona had the blessing of his late Dad and his Mum to make the transition to rugby and probably play for the Wallabies, however he opted to remain in Melbourne, the place he feels most comfy.

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“I’m grateful that rugby looked at me,” he stated after the Storm’s 30-22 win over New Zealand Warriors in an Anzac Day traditional at AAMI Park.

“I was seriously having a look at rugby, I felt like I’ve given a lot to rugby league,, I thought I was a good chance to go to rugby, [but]I love the Storm too much – this is my home.

“At the end of the day, I just want to make my mum happy, my dad happy as well.”

Asofa-Solomona had a serious impression on the Storm’s comeback win over the Warriors that noticed them enhance to 5-3.

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The large man stamped his authority on the sport, accumulating 168 run metres, together with 72 submit contact metres, in simply 59 minutes.

With an exodus of forwards within the low season, Asofa-Solomona’s signature was a precedence for the Storm.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy was thrilled when he heard the news within the rooms post-game.

“It’s massive for the club to be quite honest,” Bellamy stated.

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

“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.”

Bellamy described the negotiations between the membership and Asofa-Solomona’s administration as a “rollercoaster”.

“We’re all happy he’s come to the decision that he has and like I say he’ll be a great asset to the club,” he stated.

“I spoke to the chairman Matt Tripp a couple of times and it was a bit like a rollercoaster, he’s just about ready to sign and 24 hours later it looks like he might be going [to rugby].

“The last four or five days it’s been up and down.”

Asofa-Solomona thanked Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and Rugby Australia director Hamish McLennan for the prospect to debate a transfer to rugby.

Despite being “a proud Kiwi”, Asofa-Solomona was near linking up with Super Rugby and placing his case ahead for a Wallabies jersey, regardless of “the backlash” he might need obtained from some individuals.

“Before my dad passed away, he said I just want you to be happy, I don’t mind if you play for the Wallabies,” Asofa-Solomona stated.

“That’s the only blessing I need – I know it’s going to come with a lot of backlash but I was happy to wear that.

“At the end of the day, I love the Storm way too much.

“I’m very grateful for them even just looking at me – I’m very thankful to Eddie [Jones] and Hamish [McLennan].”

From the depth of damage, Asofa-Solomona revealed that one thing within the final two weeks has “changed my life forever” for the higher, and it’s not the Storm contract extension, however he wouldn’t reveal what it was.

“I’m very happy and blessed,” he stated.

“It’s very personal, very personal.”