Melbourne captain Jesse Bromwich has revealed he’s struggling to get phone calls returned by anti-vax teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
The Storm are locked in a battle with the hulking Kiwi prop over his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
While the NRL has not mandated vaccines for players or staff, the Victorian government is strict on professional athletes getting jabbed before they’re allowed to participate in competition or team activities.
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Asofa-Solomona was due to begin pre-season training on Monday, but Melbourne has instead designed a program for him to do at home away from the club.
Last week John Asiata became the first NRL player to walk away from a contract – with Canterbury – due to his refusal to get vaccinated. Asofa-Solomona is in danger of going the same way and sacrificing a much more lucrative salary.
“I’m very hopeful that NAS will come back, he’s a powerful man and a big part of our team,” Bromwich said.
“A lot of us boys care deeply for him and I’ve tried to reach out to him but I didn’t get anything back.
“I know he’s got his beliefs around vaccination and it’s up to him but we really want him to come back. So hopefully the matter resolves itself soon.
“I just don’t like this awkwardness between us… I’m very close with him so hopefully we can get it sorted soon.”
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