Nelson Asofa-Solomona has delivered one of the most unexpected sporting curveballs of the year, finalising a career move that few in the rugby league or rugby union communities ever predicted. Months after his sudden release from the Melbourne Storm — a departure that sent shockwaves through the NRL — the towering former prop has opted to take his athletic journey in a direction almost no one saw coming.
Despite widespread assumptions that his next chapter would unfold either in the NRL or in professional rugby union, Asofa-Solomona has instead committed to a full-time professional boxing contract. The decision, revealed in a report by news.com.au, has left clubs, fans, and analysts stunned, especially given the magnitude of offers he rejected to chase his ambitions inside the ring.
The move comes after weeks of speculation linking the 200cm powerhouse to R360, as well as to several other rugby opportunities both domestically and abroad. Following his release, at least seven NRL teams reportedly registered interest in securing the services of the explosive forward. That interest wasn’t limited to league—multiple Super Rugby franchises and even clubs from the English Super League made their approaches known, many of them dangling multi-year, multimillion-dollar deals.
Yet, in a twist befitting one of the NRL’s most unpredictable figures, Asofa-Solomona opted to turn all of them down. Not only has he rejected some of the most lucrative deals of his career, he has done so to pursue a passion that, until recently, few realised he was prepared to commit to at such a high level.
According to the report, the 29-year-old has secured a full-time professional boxing contract that is believed to place him among the highest-earning heavyweight prospects in the Australasian fight scene. Promoters forecast that he could bank close to $1 million per year, a number that rivals the salary packages offered to many established NRL stars. Early plans are already in motion for a potential rugby-league-themed “super fight,” which may involve another marquee NRL forward transitioning into the ring for a blockbuster showdown.
While the decision may have blindsided many, those close to Asofa-Solomona’s sporting career would recognise that his interest in boxing isn’t new. His reputation for raw physicality and devastating power has long been evident on the rugby field, but he has also displayed legitimate promise inside the ring. His breakout boxing moment came in 2023 when he stepped into the spotlight with a commanding knockout victory over former Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace. That dominant three-round performance showcased his natural heavyweight talent and hinted at an athletic ceiling that may have been impossible to fully explore within the confines of rugby league.
For the Melbourne Storm faithful, the news marks the end of an era. Over the span of 215 NRL appearances, Asofa-Solomona established himself as one of the most imposing enforcers of the modern game. His contributions helped the Storm secure premiership victories in 2017 and 2020, adding to the club's already storied legacy. His sheer presence — a combination of towering height, explosive contact, and a fierce competitive streak — made him a match-winner on his day. At the same time, his aggressive playing style occasionally came at a cost. Multiple suspensions, including those that forced him to miss the Storm’s last two grand finals, were reminders of the fine line he walked between dominance and disruption.
Storm legend Cameron Smith summed up Asofa-Solomona’s impact as few could, noting that the front-rower had the rare ability to “break a game open” when firing on all cylinders. Smith also emphasised how costly his absence was during key finals matches, underscoring just how influential he could be when present on the big stage.
Now, the man once feared for his bone-shaking tackles and game-breaking runs will redirect all his focus to mastering the craft of professional boxing. The transition places him in the company of notable NRL figures who have previously ventured into the ring, including Paul Gallen — a long-time rival from his days at the Cronulla Sharks. Gallen’s own success in Australian boxing set a precedent for rugby league athletes seeking second careers in combat sports, and Asofa-Solomona appears determined to follow, or even surpass, that trajectory.
His physical tools give him every opportunity to make an impact. Standing at 200cm with immense reach and power, he possesses attributes rarely seen in the heavyweight division, where size alone can be a decisive factor. Still, transitioning from rugby league to elite-level boxing requires far more than size and brute strength. The technical demands, endurance requirements, and strategic nuances of the sport present challenges that many multi-code athletes underestimate. Observers will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the discipline, finesse, and fight IQ needed to thrive against seasoned opponents.
Regardless of how rapidly his skills develop, what is undeniable is the magnitude of his decision. Asofa-Solomona has walked away from the safety and financial security of established codes — codes where he was already proven, respected, and in demand — to chase a dream that carries both high risk and high reward. It is a gamble few professional athletes are willing to take, but one that could cement his legacy far beyond his achievements on the rugby field.
As NRL and rugby union clubs redirect their recruitment strategies following this unexpected move, the sporting world will now monitor the rise of a new heavyweight contender. Asofa-Solomona has already proven he can dominate in one sport; the world will soon discover whether he can conquer another.
