Nelson Asofa-Solomona Height and Weight, Wife, Age, Salary, Partner, Stats, Parents, Dad, Injury

Published on: September 27, 2023

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Nelson Asofa-Solomona Height and Weight, Wife, Age, Salary, Partner, Stats, Parents, Dad, Injury

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Height and Weight, Wife, Age, Salary, Partner, Stats, Parents, Dad, Injury – Nelson Asofa-Solomona is a name that resonates with the world of professional rugby league. Born on February 29, 1996, in Wellington, New Zealand, this talented athlete has made a significant impact in the National Rugby League (NRL) and on the international stage, representing New Zealand. Let’s delve into his life, career, personal journey, and more in this in-depth profile.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Early Life

Nelson Asofa-Solomona was born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand. Interestingly, he’s the first cousin of another rugby sensation, Ken Maumalo, who plays as a wing for the Wests Tigers. Sport seems to run in their blood.

Full Name	Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Date of Birth	February 29, 1996
Birthplace	Wellington, New Zealand
Position	Prop (Rugby League)
Current Team	Melbourne Storm (NRL)
International Team	New Zealand
Early Sports Background	Played rugby union before transitioning to rugby league
Junior Rugby League Teams	Upper Hutt Tigers, Wellington Orcas
Rugby Union Experience	Played rugby union at Wellington College
Professional Debut	NRL debut for Melbourne Storm in 2015

Nelson’s journey into rugby began with a twist. He initially played rugby union for the Upper Hutt Rams. However, it wasn’t long before rugby league called to him. He started his junior rugby league career with the Upper Hutt Tigers and joined the Wellington Orcas junior representative team. While all this was happening, he continued playing rugby union at Wellington College. But destiny had other plans for him.

At the tender age of 15, Nelson Asofa-Solomona was signed by the Melbourne Storm, marking the beginning of his professional rugby career. It was clear that he had a bright future ahead of him.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Personal Life

Beyond the field, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has a few interesting aspects to his personal life. He briefly experimented with veganism but found it challenging to meet his dietary requirements as a professional athlete. This shows his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.

Nelson’s family has been a significant influence on his life and career. In 2018, he expressed how important it was for him to provide for his family. This sense of responsibility has been a driving force behind his success.

Another interesting aspect of Nelson’s life is his love for tattoos. He has several tattoos, including two Samoan designs on his right leg and right forearm. These tattoos hold special meaning for him, with the flowers in his leg design serving as a tribute to the important women in his life.

On a lighter note, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is a proud dog owner. He has four dogs, including two dachshunds, a husky, and a Staffordshire bull terrier. These furry companions likely bring joy to his life outside of the rugby field.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Playing Career

Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s journey in professional rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable.

He began with the Melbourne Storm’s NYC (National Youth Competition) team in 2014. His performance was so impressive that he was named at second-row in the 2014 NYC Team of the Year. This recognition hinted at the bright future that lay ahead.

In 2015, Nelson graduated to Melbourne’s Queensland Cup team, the Sunshine Coast Falcons. His hard work paid off when he made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm in Round 8 of the 2015 season against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. His first taste of the big league came as he played off the interchange bench. Although his team faced a 12-10 loss, it was a memorable moment for the young athlete.

Nelson also continued his international journey in 2015, playing for the Junior Kiwis against the Junior Kangaroos. He played at prop in a closely contested match, which the Kiwis lost 22-20.

Towards the end of the 2015 season, Nelson scored his first NRL career try, contributing to Melbourne’s 22-4 win against the St. George Illawarra Dragons. By the end of his debut year, he had played in 12 matches and scored one try, leaving a promising mark.

The following year, in 2016, Nelson Asofa-Solomona continued to impress. He was named in Melbourne’s squad for the NRL Auckland Nines tournament. Over the course of the season, he played in 15 matches for the Melbourne club, showcasing his versatility and growth as a player.

The year 2017 marked another significant step in his career. Nelson was again named in Melbourne’s squad for the NRL Auckland Nines in February. He was also called up to the New Zealand Kiwis squad, a significant honor, but unfortunately had to withdraw due to a hand injury.

In July 2017, Nelson Asofa-Solomona extended his contract with the Melbourne Storm, signifying his commitment to the team until the end of the 2019 NRL season. This commitment was rewarded when Melbourne Storm secured a commanding victory in the 2017 NRL Grand Final against the North Queensland Cowboys, with Nelson playing a crucial role off the interchange bench.

Nelson’s successful 2017 NRL season saw him play in 26 matches and score four tries for Melbourne. This consistency and impact on the field earned him a spot in the New Zealand Kiwis 24-man squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. On October 28, 2017, he made his international test debut for New Zealand against Samoa, scoring one try in the 38-8 win.

In 2018, Nelson Asofa-Solomona was part of the Melbourne Storm’s successful campaign in the World Club Challenge and played a pivotal role in their journey to the NRL Grand Final. His outstanding performance led to a nomination for the Dally M Prop of the Year award, a prestigious accolade in the world of rugby league.

A significant moment in his career was playing alongside his cousin, Ken Maumalo, professionally during the New Zealand national rugby league team’s tour of Denver, Colorado, in June 2018.

The year 2019 saw Nelson continue his impressive form. In the season opener, he earned two Dally M points for his stellar performance against the Brisbane Broncos. His hit on Matt Gillett also earned him recognition as he won the popular vote for tackle of the round.

Throughout the 2019 NRL season, Nelson Asofa-Solomona played a total of 27 games for the Melbourne Storm, contributing to their success as runaway minor premiers. However, the season ended on a somewhat sour note as they faced defeat in the preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Off the field, Nelson Asofa-Solomona found himself in the spotlight for an unfortunate reason. In October, while on holiday in Bali, he was involved in an altercation that turned into an ugly brawl. As a result, he was fined $15,000 by the NRL and handed a three-match test ban for New Zealand. This suspension meant he missed important matches against Great Britain and Australia. It was reported that his reaction was triggered when his Melbourne teammate, Suliasi Vunivalu, was allegedly attacked by an unidentified individual.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Social Media Accounts

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Conclusion

Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s journey from a young boy in Wellington to a star in the world of rugby league is a testament to his talent, dedication, and resilience. With each passing year, he has continued to make his mark on the field, representing both the Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand national team.