Storm Weather: Asofa-Solomona Blow to Tame Tigers The Melbourne Storm have dealt a devastating blow to the Wests Tigers, with prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona set to miss the clash at Leichhardt Oval due to a suspension. Asofa-Solomona was charged with a grade-three careless high tackle on Manly’s Haumole Olakau’atu in the Storm’s 26-6 victory last Thursday. The ban rules him out for two games, including the Tigers encounter. The suspension is a major setback for the Storm, who rely heavily on Asofa-Solomona’s power and size in the middle of the field. The Tongan international has been one of their key performers this season, averaging over 100 running metres per game. His absence is likely to be felt by the Tigers, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. Despite a promising start to the season, they have won just one of their past five outings. The Tigers will need to find a way to combat the Storm’s powerful forward pack without Asofa-Solomona. Young prop Joe Ofahengaue is the most likely candidate to replace him in the starting lineup. However, the Tigers will also be without former Storm forward Tui Kamikamica, who is serving a suspension for a dangerous throw. This leaves them short of experience and size in the front row. The Storm, on the other hand, are expected to be at full strength. Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, and Ryan Papenhuyzen will form a formidable spine, while the likes of Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, and Justin Olam provide a potent forward unit. Despite the suspension to Asofa-Solomona, the Storm are heavy favourites to secure victory over the Tigers. They have won their last four meetings against the Concord-based club and boast a formidable record at Leichhardt Oval. The match will be a test of character for the Tigers, who will need to overcome a number of obstacles if they are to have any chance of an upset. The Storm, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their strong start to the season and maintain their position as one of the competition frontrunners.Craig Bellamy remains positive after Melbourne’s latest injury setback following their 40-28 victory over the Wests Tigers.Craig Bellamy remains positive after Melbourne’s latest injury setback following their 40-28 victory over the Wests Tigers. Nelson Asofa-Solomona limped off in the first half with a hamstring injury, joining a growing list of injured players for the Storm. Despite the setbacks, Bellamy is upbeat about the team’s chances. “NAS said it’s not that bad… but with all due respect, NAS isn’t a doctor,” Bellamy said of Asofa-Solomona’s prognosis. The Storm’s defense struggled, but they managed to weather the storm with just one player left on the bench. “We did pretty well with our attack. I’m pretty disappointed with our defense, but having said that we only ended up with one guy on the bench,” Bellamy said. Despite the injuries, Melbourne remains atop the ladder, and Bellamy believes the Tigers have the potential to be a force in the future. “They’re first in the comp for a reason – they don’t beat themselves. They showed that again tonight,” Bellamy said of the Tigers.Asofa-Solomona missed the clash with the Wests Tigers due to a knee complaint and his absence was a major blow to the Storm. He is one of the most destructive props in the NRL and his combination with Jahrome Hughes is one of the most potent in the competition. However, the Storm were still able to get the job done against a spirited Tigers side, winning 26-16. Jahrome Hughes starred for the Storm, scoring a try and setting up two more. The Storm’s victory was their third in a row and they now sit second on the NRL ladder, behind only the Penrith Panthers. They will be hoping to keep their winning streak alive when they take on the Newcastle Knights next weekend. The Tigers, meanwhile, have now lost three of their last four games and they are in danger of missing the finals. They will need to turn their form around quickly if they want to make the top eight.