Sizeable problem for Nelson: Grant
SIZE matters in the NRL but, according to Melbourne Storm star Harry Grant, being bigger than everyone has put a target on his teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s back.
Critics have been coming at the Storm for their tackling techniques ever since they started winning premierships, but in 2022 the spotlight has turned on 200cm, 115kg wrecking ball Asofa-Solomona, who has been charged five times for contrary conduct.
He’s yet to be suspended, however, with fines his only punishment and a match-day report in the round 25 loss to Parramatta, after a week of scrutiny, thrown out.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy declared before that game the focus on his big man was unwarranted.
Ahead of Saturday’s elimination final showdown with Canberra, Grant has also come to the defence of all his teammates amid talk Melbourne was even the catalyst for the “hip-drop” tackle that has become prevalent this season.
Grant said the continued criticism “doesn’t get to the players” but suggested that Asofa-Solomona, in particular, was being unfairly treated just because he’s bigger than most of his opponents.
“The one thing you got to look at is no one’s going out there to intentionally hurt anyone,” he said.
“There’s a lot of talk about us, all the wrestle moves coming from the Melbourne Storm, but I think go look at every team in the comp, every team in the comp is doing it. I think that’s the tactics in the game, everyone is trying to slow the play-the-ball speed.
“We’re not even the best defensive team in the competition.
“I guess in saying that, Nelson’s probably being a little bit unfairly treated in that sense, He’s a large man and he’s very aggressive and I guess things are going to look out of proportion when you’re that big.”
The physicality from Asofa-Solomona and his Storm teammates has been required over what Grant said was a “tough last month” leading into the finals, which included a win over premiership favourite Penrith as well as close losses to finalists the Roosters and the Eels.
Those defeats put the Storm in the do-or-die situation they now find themselves in, but Grant said the players had taken the doomsday scenario out of their thoughts, as much as they could.
“I think, as a group, we haven’t spoken about that at all,” he said ahead of Saturday’s elimination match against the Raiders.
“Individually, we probably know what’s on the line and what’s at stake, but in saying that, you don’t want to put too much energy into that result.
“I think you just want to focus on your preparation, focus on the excitement of playing finals football.”