Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the towering former Melbourne Storm powerhouse, has revealed the reasons behind his shocking decision to walk away from professional rugby league. The 29-year-old, who stands at 201cm and weighs 115kg, admitted that he has “fallen out of love” with the sport, opting instead to pursue a career in boxing.
Asofa-Solomona, who enjoyed a stellar career with Melbourne Storm that included two premiership victories, recently signed a multi-year deal with No Limit Boxing. He is scheduled to make his ring debut on the undercard of the upcoming Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa grudge match on the Gold Coast next month.
His departure from rugby league comes after a series of setbacks, including missing out on the Storm’s 2024 and 2025 grand final losses due to suspensions. These interruptions, combined with frequent sin-binnings throughout his career, played a significant role in shaping his decision to step away from the game he once dominated.
“You can’t get sent off in boxing, which is good, so that’s a start,” Asofa-Solomona told AAP, acknowledging the appeal of a sport where his physicality and aggression can be expressed without the constant threat of disciplinary action.
No Limit Boxing’s head and former NRL premiership-winning prop George Rose explained why the switch to boxing is a perfect fit for Asofa-Solomona’s skills and temperament. “You step into a boxing ring, we love reckless high shots. We love careless high shots,” Rose said.
“You’re not going to get fined. You’re not going to get three weeks (off). You’re not getting one week. You’re getting patted on the back. I’m not saying rugby league’s gone soft, but it’s changing to the point where it’s not suiting a person like Nelson, that when you’re that big, when you’re that strong, and your best tools are smashing people. It’s being taken out of the game. You’re losing your best tools here. We want you to use the best tools. We want you to knock people out. We want you to use your size, use your strength, use your power and be devastating in the ring. You’re not allowed to do that on the field. In boxing, you are.”
Despite lucrative offers to remain in rugby league, Asofa-Solomona chose a new path. It is understood he was offered $700,000 per season to join Parramatta, while rumors also linked him to rugby’s proposed R360 competition. Yet, the 215-game Storm enforcer decided to chase a fresh challenge in the ring rather than continue on familiar turf.
“I’ve fallen out of love for the game of rugby league and now I’ve fallen in love with the boxing game,” he said. “That’s why I’m here today. I’m here to test myself, here to take a risk.”
Asofa-Solomona’s move highlights a growing trend of athletes seeking alternative careers where their physical attributes can be fully maximized. With boxing, the former Storm star will be able to leverage his size, strength, and aggression to devastating effect—elements that have been increasingly restricted in modern rugby league.
One of the immediate challenges for No Limit Boxing will be finding a suitable opponent for Asofa-Solomona’s debut fight scheduled for January 16. However, George Rose is confident that the promotion can identify the right challenger in time. “With Nelson, it’s an interesting one because there will be people that will be absolutely s*** scared of going anywhere near him because of the size of him, because of the power, because of the athletic ability of him. But there’s going to be people out there who want to make a name for himself. Somebody wants to be the first person to hit Nelson in the mouth. So there will be people lined up and we’ve got no doubt that we’ll find a great opponent for him, not only for that fight but for all fights going forward,” Rose said.
While boxing is now Asofa-Solomona’s primary focus, he has not completely closed the door on a potential return to rugby league in the future. The New Zealand international, who earned 16 Test caps for the Kiwis, expressed that rugby league has always been a part of his life, but right now, his attention is firmly on boxing.
“I’ve never said ‘never say never’ to football. It’s all I’ve ever known,” he admitted. “But right now, I want to put all my energy into boxing. It’s something that I just right now really enjoy.”
Asofa-Solomona’s career trajectory is a testament to his willingness to take risks and step outside his comfort zone. From being one of the most physically imposing figures in the NRL to embracing the challenge of professional boxing, his journey underscores a commitment to personal growth and pursuing passion over convention.
His decision also sparks broader conversations about the evolving nature of rugby league. The sport has become more regulated, with stricter penalties for high contact and dangerous play, which some argue has diluted the effectiveness of larger, more powerful forwards. For a player like Asofa-Solomona, whose career was built on sheer size and strength, these changes contributed to his sense of frustration and ultimately his decision to pivot to a new sport.
Fans of both rugby league and boxing will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this former NRL enforcer adapts to the squared circle. With his remarkable athleticism, imposing physique, and raw power, Asofa-Solomona has all the tools to become a formidable force in boxing—provided he can translate his skills effectively and navigate the nuances of the sport.
As he prepares for his first fight, there is a palpable sense of excitement around Asofa-Solomona’s transition. From tackling on the field to throwing punches in the ring, the former Melbourne Storm star is entering uncharted territory, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with a new sporting arena.
Whether he will ultimately find the same success in boxing that he achieved in rugby league remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Nelson Asofa-Solomona is ready to redefine himself, test his limits, and pursue a passion that ignites his spirit.
