Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Asofa-Solomona was supposed to return to pre-season training in December but couldn’t because Victoria’s Covid rules ban unvaccinated professional athletes from using team facilities.

The Daniel Andrews government announced last year that all essential workers, including professional athletes, must have had two shots of a Covid-19 vaccine by November 26 in order to work in Victoria.

Asofa-Solomona, 25, was vocal on social media in his stance against mandating the vaccine but his standoff with his club has come to an end.

It can be revealed two-time NRL premiership Storm prop and New Zealand international Nelson Asofa-Solomona is set to join the Japanese League One competition ahead of the 2023 season.

It is understood he will join Japanese powerhouse Panasonic Wild Knights, who are mentored by former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

But as the 2m, 130kg giant prepares to say sayonara to rugby league, Rugby Australia are keeping a close eye on his movements and could yet offer him a short-term deal.

Nicknamed Big Nasty, Asofa-Solomona hadn't played in a month before their preliminary final win over Cronulla due to an ankle injury.

Coming off the bench, he used his 201cm, 123kg frame to plenty of damage through the middle against the Sharks while making 21 tackles.

But Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles warned the New Zealand Test prop would be better for the hit-out and he expected an improved performance at ANZ Stadium.

The Storm trailed 6-0 midway through the first half before Asofa-Solomona made his presence felt immediately, and as a player labelled as the next big thing – literally and metaphorically – it’s a matter of time before the interchange forward becomes a full-time force in the NRL.