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Sport Nation
Storm enforcer Asofa-Solomona escapes ban ahead of Penrith clash
Melissa Woods, AAP • March 18th, 2025 2:00 pm
Photo: AAP
Melbourne are set to be at full strength for their blockbuster NRL grand final rematch against Penrith with Nelson Asofa-Solomona escaping another ban.
The giant Kiwi missed last year's losing title decider due to a five-week suspension but is free to play in Thursday's AAMI Park showdown.
There were fears Asofa-Solomona would again be sidelined after he was put on report while playing for the Storm's feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup on the weekend.
While he was charged with a grade one offence for a hip drop tackle on PNG prop Zebedy Kip, he was only given a warning by the Queensland Rugby League match review committee.
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Looking to avenge a 14-6 defeat, the Panthers match will be the first time Asofa-Solomona will line up alongside star front-row recruit Stefano Utoikamanu.
Melbourne opened their season with big win over Parramatta but had a second round bye as Penrith suffered a shock 38-32 loss to the unheralded Sydney Roosters.
Meanwhile, the unbeaten Canberra Raiders have been dealt a blow ahead of Sunday's clash with Manly, losing luckless second-rower Zac Hosking.
The 28-year-old, who was restricted to eight games last year due to a serious shoulder injury, had surgery on his broken hand suffered in the clash against Brisbane.
He's expected to be out for four to six weeks.
