NZ Kiwis forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been ruled out of the NRL's season-opening clash between the Māori All Stars and Indigenous All Stars after reportedly being bitten by a dog.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, 26-year-old Asofa-Solomona of the Melbourne Storm was bitten by a dog on New Year's Eve, with the injury requiring surgery.
And after stitches were required on the hand that suffered the injury, Asofa-Solomona will not recover in time to take the field in Rotorua when the two sides kick off next Saturday.
"It was an honour to again be selected to wear the Māori jersey," Asofa-Solomona said in a statement released by Melbourne Storm.
"Unfortunately I'm not physically in the position to be able to play in such an intensive match so soon in my pre-season preparations.
"I'm looking forward to seeing my Māori brothers in action again and wish them all the best against the Indigenous team."
Asofa-Solomona is the latest high-profile player to withdraw from next Saturday's game.
NZ Kiwis fullback Joseph Manu pulled out of the match on Saturday due to a facial injury suffered in training, while Sydney Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves also withdrew due to back and hamstring issues.
NZ Warriors pair Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dylan Walker have also been forced out with respective hamstring and hip injuries.
Former NZ Warriors half Daejarn Asi and Wests Tigers winger Starford Toa have also pulled out, while Indigenous All Stars opposite Josh Addo-Carr will also skip the match to concentrate on his pre-season commitments for Canterbury Bulldogs.
Elsewhere, the pair of Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton are also expected to miss the game after the duo were arrested in Canberra in the early hours of Sunday morning.
