Nelson Asofa-Solomona hints at Storm exit as Craig Bellamy steps up Stefano Utoikamanu interest

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has fuelled speculation that he is set to leave Melbourne after uploading a cryptic message to social media. It comes after earlier this week Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould revealed the Storm enforcer could be surplus to requirements as the club ramps up their pursuit of star Tiger Stefano Utoikamanu.

Utoikamanu is a free agent after clauses around finals and Origin appearances meant he could negotiate with rivals. And Melbourne are understood to be leading the race for the prop's signature with Craig Bellamy meeting with the young front-rower last Sunday - the day after they faced off with the Tigers.

"The Storm are really intent on making him their next signing, they just need to convince him that Melbourne is the place to go ... I think it ticks all the boxes from a football point of view, it's just whether or not he wants to make the move to Melbourne," Chammas said on Nine's 100% Footy.

Gould believes the Storm would be the perfect destination for the prop and hinted that Asofa-Solomona could be on the move to make way for him. "Everyone that goes to Melbourne improves, don't they?"Gould said. "My mail is that (Nelson) Asofa-Solomona won't be there so I suppose they're looking for a replacement."

On Friday night Asofa-Solomona further stoked fears he may be on the way out with an Instagram post captioned ‘all good things must come to an end, enjoy the moments while they last'. The post also included an image with former teammate and current Tigers star Justin Olam. While the picture could just be a coincidence, the hulking forward has also been linked heavily with the Tigers in the last week.

Despite being signed until the end of 2027, with a mutual option included for 2028, it’s widely believed Asofa-Solomona's time at the Storm could come to an end before his contract does. After falling down the pecking order at the start of 2024, the powerful prop has made 11 appearances this season but has only averaged 30 minutes and 80 running metres per game.

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Craig Bellamy eager to secure services of Stefano Utoikamanu

After speaking to Utoikamanu last week, Bellamy admitted the Tigers prop would be a "good fit" at the club. “I think Stefano would be a good fit for any team,” Bellamy told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“He’s a talented kid, big and strong, he certainly has a lot of talent, and looks like he’s got a good work ethic as well. He’s played Origin, he’s only young as well, so he’s got a lot of improvement. He’s a local kid at the Tigers. That will make it harder for him to move. I think every team would love to have him – and we’re no different.”

Earlier this week The Daily Telegraph reported that the Dragons had pulled out of the race to sign Utoikamanu, while the Raiders have also withdrawn interest in the gun prop. This leaves the race down to the Storm or the Dragons if he is to leave.

However, the Tigers are still hopeful of retaining Utoikamanu, despite giving him permission to test the market on June 26. Tigers powerbrokers have already tabled a five-year extension worth $5 million to the one-game NSW representative.