Storm’s stance on NAS suspension revealed

The Melbourne Storm will roll the dice at the judiciary on Monday night, seeking a double downgrade for giant prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who is facing a monster ban that will keep him out of Sunday’s NRL grand final.

Asofa-Solomona was hit with a grade 3 careless high tackle charge for a shot on Lindsay Collins on the opening play of the game that knocked the Roosters prop out of the preliminary final.

The towering prop forward could have accepted a four-match ban for his third and subsequent offence but will try his luck at the judiciary where he’ll need it downgraded twice to avoid what will become a five-week suspension if he loses.

The Storm has opted to bring the hearing forward to Monday night, which means they will avoid the circus from six years ago when superstar fullback Billy Slater endured a lengthy hearing on a Tuesday before the grand final against the Roosters.

“Melbourne Storm confirmed today they will contest the four-match suspension handed down to Nelson Asofa-Solomona by the NRL judiciary,” a club statement read.

“Asofa-Solomona was charged with a grade 3 careless high tackle following Friday night’s preliminary final.

“The Storm prop will appear in person for the hearing scheduled for Monday night at NRL headquarters.”