Kiwis star and Melbourne Storm captain Jesse Bromwich has revealed he’s struggling to contact anti-vax teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Asofa-Solomona refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and while the NRL doesn't have a vaccine mandate, Victorian state legislation requires professional athletes to be double-jabbed, before competing or training.
Channel Nine reports the hulking Kiwi prop was due to report to pre-season training on Monday, but the Storm have instead designed a strength and conditioning programme for him to carry out at home.
Last week, forward John Asiata became the first NRL player to refuse COVID vaccination and walk away from a contract, when he was released by Canterbury Bulldogs.
The Storm seem willing to give Asofa-Solomona more time to make a decision, but may have to cut the 25-year-old from his lucrative multi-year deal, if he maintains his anti-vax stance.
Bromwich hasn't heard back from ‘NAS’, despite leaving several messages.
"I'm very hopeful that NAS will come back,” says Bronwich. “He's a powerful man and a big part of our team.
"A lot of us boys care deeply for him and I've tried to reach out to him, but I didn't get anything back.
"I know he's got his beliefs around vaccination and it's up to him, but we really want him to come back, so hopefully the matter resolves itself soon.
"I just don't like this awkwardness between us - I'm very close with him, so hopefully we can get it sorted soon."
