Such a move might also work for Asofa-Solomona, who has lived in Australia for almost half his life. A proud Kiwi, he could reconnect with his roots and would likely become a cult hero among the Warriors’ fanbase.
But the Warriors simply won’t be able to match what he will be offered elsewhere, because of cap space.
Asofa-Solomona may be willing to take a lower salary than the reported A$850,000 ($978,000) he was on at the Storm, especially as he received a payout from the Victorian club for the final 24 months of his contract.
But other clubs have a lot more room to move, especially the cashed-up Eels, while at least two other Sydney teams are understood to be interested in Asofa-Solomona.
The Warriors already have a lot invested in their pack, particularly with James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, Wayde Egan and Marata Niukore.
Leka Halasima signed a new deal last season, while Erin Clark is in line for an upgrade, off the back of his performances in 2025. Then there are Demetric Vaimauga and Jacob Laban, whose respective values will only increase.
So there isn’t much left over, which means Asofa-Solomona would have to be attracted for other reasons, like family, living in Auckland and being part of the Warriors project under Andrew Webster, as the club can’t pay him what he is worth on the open market.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been a mainstay for the Kiwis and Melbourne Storm.
Of course, it is still possible that Asofa-Solomona doesn’t play at all next year. The rumours about R360 continue – if that competition ever gets off the ground.
And, as he outlined to the Herald earlier this month, boxing appears to be a major passion, with the desire for a bout early next year.
Asofa-Solomona also admitted he could just take a year off, though a continuation of his NRL career appears the most likely outcome for 2026.
The club have also – again – been recently linked with Kalyn Ponga, after the Newcastle star was photographed chatting with Warriors’ recruitment manager Andrew McFadden at the club’s sport bar, Full Time, in Kingsland earlier this month. However, there is nothing to it.
Ponga was there to record a podcast with former Kiwi Sione Faumuina, while McFadden was watching the horse racing with some other Warriors’ staff and friends. A potential move to New Zealand just doesn’t stack up, even if Ponga seeks a release from his Knights contract, which runs until the end of 2027.
The club have invested in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad over the next two seasons and also have great faith in Taine Tuaupiki.
But most importantly, there isn’t the money available, for Ponga, who is on a reported A$1.4 million ($1.61m) annually at the Knights. It would require a significant reshaping of their cap priorities – and the release of some important players – which the Warriors have shown no desire to do.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.