Melbourne Storm star's crucial backflip before NRL season

Melbourne Storm star Nelson Asofa Solomona has returned to training with the NRL team, but questions still remain over the 25-year-old's vaccination status.

The highly rated prop has been training on his own for the past two months, after his return to pre-season training was delayed by an impasse over his vaccination status against Covid-19.

'SO SHOCKED': Rugby league legend reveals devastating diagnosis

RULE CHANGE: NRL tweaks 'six again' rule for 2022 season

It remains unknown whether or not Asofa-Solomona has been vaccinated or obtained an exemption to train with the team from the Victorian state government, with the Storm declining to say either way.

Instead, the club released a statement saying Asofa-Solomona had "provided all necessary information and certification to comply with the requirements of the Victorian and Queensland governments to allow him to return for training and to play".

Both Queensland and Victoria have strict vaccine mandate in place, requiring most workers, including professional athletes, to be vaccinated or have an exemption in order to return to the workplace.

The NRL does not require players to be vaccinated in order to play, in contrast with the AFL.

Asofa-Solomona had previously questioned mandatory vaccination on his social media and had spent the past two months training on his own.

"It was challenging doing stuff by myself," the 25-year-old said.

"I spent time playing basketball with these little Filipino guys and trying to make training fun.

"I got a good sweat up and did a bit of cardio and a lot of weight training.

"I had a talk with Bellza (coach Craig Bellamy) yesterday and I'm stoked to be back and I'm 100 per cent on board this year.

"I feel like I'm ready (to play) it's just up to Bellza and we'll see what he says."

NRL players set to return despite vaccine uncertainty

Asofa-Solomona's return to training ends speculation that the towering forward would seek a termination of his contract and make a move overseas to rugby union.

Recent changes to borders rules and COVID-19 protocols for athletes in Japan and France had made any likelihood of a switch of codes more difficult.

The vagueness surrounding Asofa-Solomona's vaccination status is similar to that of North Queensland captain Jason Taumalolo.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten this week refused to reveal whether the Tonga international was vaccinated.

"We are compliant with NRL protocols and then government health orders," he said.

"I'm excited to be able to choose from a full squad."

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the game was nearing a 100 per cent vaccination rate among players.

"We were criticised for not making this mandatory and we've proven we didn't need to; the players have done the right thing and we're up to like 98, 99 per cent having their vaccinations," he said.

Meanwhile, Storm back-rower Kenny Bromwich has joined brother Jesse and Felise Kaufusi in signing with the Dolphins for their inaugural campaign in 2023.

The 30-year-old forward has signed a three-year deal with Wayne Bennett's Redcliffe-based side.

With AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.