Highly controversial footy hardman learns if his Grand Final nightmare has become a reality
Melbourne enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona will miss Sunday’s NRL Grand Final after his grade three tackling charge was upheld by a disciplinary hearing on Monday.
The NRL panel unanimously confirmed the five-match ban, with the 28-year-old also expected to miss New Zealand’s Pacific Championship matches against the Kangaroos and Tonga – and likely not play again until the second round of next season .
On Saturday, the prop forward was informed by NRL officials that he was facing a five-match ban after being sent to the sin-bin following a high shot that knocked out Sydney Roosters forward Lindsay Collins during Storm’s 48- 18 preliminary final victory on Friday.
There was a chance the 28-year-old could have played against Penrith on Sunday, with Storm confirming they wanted to convince the judiciary to reduce his charge to an initial sanction and a $3,000 fine.
Asofa-Solomona flew to Sydney for the hearing and appeared alongside his lawyer, Nick Ghabar, after the defense managed to expedite the hearing from its usual Tuesday evening to Monday.
More to follow…
More to follow…