Former Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona says a code switch to rugby union is well and truly on the table as he plots out his next career move.
Asofa-Solomona was granted a release from the final two years of his contract with the Storm to “explore new opportunities”.
The 29-year-old, who was earning $850,000 a season, played in 215 games and won two premierships with the Storm, but ill-discipline saw him fall out of favour with Craig Bellamy.
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The hulking Kiwi front rower is preparing for this weekend’s Pacific Championships opener with New Zealand hosting Samoa in Auckland on Sunday.
Ahead of that clash, Asofa-Solomona spoke on New Zealand radio to give some insight into what his playing future looks like.
“I’m pretty blessed to have some options … I could not tell you what I’m going to do,” he told radio station Newstalk ZB.
“I need to sit down, write things out, and make a sound decision, but I’m not closing the door on league or rugby.”
Asofa-Solomona admitted that breakway rugby union competition R360 have approached him, but like several other players in a similar boat, he’s “waiting to see how that unfolds”.
“It’s been a long journey with the Storm since 2011. But it’s time for something fresh, the next chapter,” he said.
“I have been approached by R360 and that’s the option I’m blessed with but what everyone is waiting for is to see how it unfolds … It’s more of just a waiting game.
“It [rugby] is an option but then again I love the game of rugby league – it’s so exciting – that’s what I love about the game.”
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The Rabbitohs have reportedly launched a rugby raid, signing one of the All Blacks’ top prospects in back rower Saumaki Saumaki.
Saumaki will make the switch to the 13-man code ahead of the 2026 season, having spent this year playing in the Super Rugby under 20s competition for the Crusaders.
South Sydney powerbrokers reportedly received glowing reports from their scouts across the Tasman which prompted them to pounce on the rising star.
“All the mail we got on him was outstanding and we thought he was worth a go,” Souths chief executive Blake Solly said.
“He played for New Zealand Schoolboys in rugby and you have to be pretty good to do that.”
Saumaki was also eligible to play for the New Zealand school boys team once again in 2026 and also graduated from renowned nursery Nelson College.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have also secured the signature of another highly rated Crusaders prospect in Harry Inch.
The 19-year-old flyhalf has been granted a release from the Crusaders’ system to link up with the Warriors.
Like Saumaki, Inch trained with the Crusaders’ top squad this pre-season and represented the under 20s side.
The departure of both players have been confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union.