Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Melbourne Storm faces a significant suspension following a grade-three high tackle on Rooster Lindsay Collins, which could keep him out of the NRL grand final and the early part of the 2024 season. The judiciary has deemed the tackle severe enough to warrant a four-match ban, or five if he contests the charge unsuccessfully. Melbourne is considering appealing the decision, hoping to downgrade the charge to allow Asofa-Solomona to participate in the grand final, with coach Craig Bellamy expressing disbelief at the severity of the punishment. Roosters players have voiced support for Asofa-Solomona, emphasizing the small margins in physical play. The incident has sparked debate within the NRL community regarding tackle safety and the nature of high-impact plays during kick-offs. Despite the situation, Asofa-Solomona’s teammates remain hopeful for his availability in the championship match.