1. Nelson Asofa-Solomona was born on 29 February 1996 and is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League and New Zealand at international level.
36 Facts About Nelson Asofa-Solomona
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was born in Wellington, New Zealand, both of his parents having moved there from their native birthplace Samoa He is the first cousin of Wests Tigers wing Ken Maumalo.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona grew up playing rugby union for Upper Hutt Rams before playing rugby league.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played his junior rugby league for the Upper Hutt Tigers and Wellington Orcas junior representative team while playing rugby union at Wellington College.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was then signed by the Melbourne Storm at 15 years of age.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona briefly trialled veganism, however found it did not work with his dietary requirements.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona has, on multiple occasions, spoken of the influences his family has had on him throughout the years.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona has several tattoos, notably two Samoan designs - one on his right leg and one covering his right forearm.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona has stated that the flowers in his leg design are a tribute to his sisters and the women in his life.
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In 2014, Nelson Asofa-Solomona played for the Melbourne Storm's NYC team.
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In 2015, Nelson Asofa-Solomona graduated to Melbourne's Queensland Cup team, Sunshine Coast Falcons.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona finished off his debut year in the NRL having played in 12 matches and scoring one try.
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On 1 February, Nelson Asofa-Solomona was named in Melbourne's 2016 NRL Auckland Nines squad.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona finished the 2016 NRL season with him playing in 15 matches for the Melbourne club.
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In February 2017, Nelson Asofa-Solomona was named in the Melbourne squad for the 2017 NRL Auckland Nines.
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On 6 July 2017, Nelson Asofa-Solomona extended his contract with the Melbourne Storm to the end of the 2019 NRL season.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona finished his successful 2017 NRL season with him playing in 26 matches and scoring four tries for Melbourne.
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On 5 October 2017, Nelson Asofa-Solomona was named in the New Zealand Kiwis 24-man squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was part of the victorious 2018 World Club Challenge and was awarded Man of the Match award.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was part of the Melbourne Storm team that played in the 2018 NRL Grand Final.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was nominated for Dally M Prop of the year in 2018.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was part of the New Zealand national rugby league team tour of Denver, Colorado, in June 2018.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona was awarded two Dally M points for his round one appearance in the victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona won a popular vote for tackle of the round for his hit on Matt Gillett.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played 27 games for Melbourne in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished as runaway minor premiers.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played in the club's preliminary final defeat against the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona says he reacted violently after it was alleged his Melbourne teammate Suliasi Vunivalu was coward-punched by an unidentified male.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played in 20 games in the 2020 NRL season, scoring four tries.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played a total of 17 games for Melbourne in the 2021 NRL season as the club won 19 matches in a row and claimed the Minor Premiership.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona scored a try in the match but it was ruled out for obstruction.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played 23 games for Melbourne in the 2022 NRL season as the club finished 5th on the table and were eliminated in the first week of the finals by Canberra.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played 20 games for Melbourne in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished third on the table.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played in all three finals matches as Melbourne were defeated in the preliminary final by Penrith.
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On 21 August 2024, Nelson Asofa-Solomona was inducted as a life member of the Melbourne Storm.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona played a total of 19 matches for Melbourne in the 2024 NRL season as the club finished as minor premiers.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona missed the clubs 2024 NRL Grand Final loss against Penrith due to suspension.