The Melbourne Storm will fight Nelson Asofa-Solomona‘s four-match ban at the NRL judiciary as the prop faces missing Sunday’s grand final.
Asofa-Solomona was charged with a grade three careless high tackle following Friday night’s 48-18 preliminary-final win over the Roosters after the act left opposing prop Lindsay Collins concussed.
The Kiwi international will front the judiciary in person on Monday night with the NRL accommodating the Storm’s request for the hearing to be scheduled a day earlier so as not to disrupt their grand final preparations.
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Asofa-Solomona needs a double downgrade to free himself for the decider with even a grade two charge attracting a three-match ban.
A reduction to a grade one charge would convert the penalty into a $3000 fine and free the 28-year-old to suit up against the Panthers on Sunday night.
However, if Storm officials fail to overturn the decision, Asofa-Solomona faces five games on the sideline.
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Asofa-Solomona was sin-binned and placed on report in the opening minute of Friday’s clash after Collins was taken high in the first hit-up.
The Storm giant has been cited for high tackles by the league’s match review committee twice in the last six weeks, making the contact on Collins Asofa-Solomona’s third offence.
Speaking on Nine’s Today, former Melbourne captain Cameron Smith called on the NRL to change its suspension policy to ensure players do not miss big games over such incidents.
“This has divided the rugby league community down the middle,” he said.
“A lot of people believe, ‘Well, do the crime, do the time’ and others — particularly some former players — are saying, ‘Look, the hit was a little bit high but does he deserve to miss a grand final because of that’.
“It’s definitely a harsh penalty.
“It could have huge implications for the Melbourne Storm. Taking [Asofa-Solomona] out of that Strom line-up, it takes away from the contest.
“As a game, we look in the future at changing these rules around suspension for games like State of Origin and finals.”
The Storm have a history of arguing judiciary decisions on the eve of deciders with the club successfully fighting to have Billy Slater part of its side for the 2018 grand final.
Smith himself missed the 2008 grand final through suspension, which Melbourne lost to Manly.
Melbourne and Penrith will meet in a repeat of the 2020 grand final on Sunday evening in Sydney.