Big Nelson backed to bring Storm X-factor

Forget Ryan Papenhuyzen or Cameron Munster, Jesse Bromwich says it will be Nelson Asofa-Solomona who will bring the X-factor in their NRL final against Parramatta.

Ahead of the Suncorp Stadium match on Saturday night Bromwich was asked which of his teammates would have the most impact in the Storm’s final series.

“I think Nelson is really starting to play some really good football,” Bromwich said.

“He had a quiet start to the year but I’m backing Nelson to be our X-factor for the finals.

“I’ve got full confidence in what he can do and he should too because look at his size, the speed and everything he has got.

“I’m glad you asked that question because I want everyone to know that because he’s going to be really good for us.”

Still only 24, Asofa-Solomona has played 121 matches but standing 200cm and weighing 115kg is a key member of Melbourne’s pack.

With Dale Finucane and Tui Kamikamica injured and Max King suspended, Asofa-Solomona can expect some big minutes on Saturday night after being named at lock.

Hunting their first title since 2017, Asofa-Solomona said the team was ready to step up.

“The boys are keen to go to another level this year, hopefully go one better than last year,” Asofa-Solomona said.

The big Kiwi is as close as a brother to Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu, who will depart Melbourne to play Super Rugby at the end of the season.

“We have been soaking up the time we have left together,” Asofa-Solomona said.

“The club had a get together recently and we ended up going to the back while everyone was at the front having a good time and we had a bit of a tear together, talking about how we are going to miss each other.

“We have come up the ranks together.”

The duo have made a pact to do everything to finish their time together as winners.

“We made an oath we would make sure we eat properly and go to sleep on time because we never do,” he said.

“We have to make sure we send him out the proper way.”

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