Storm suffers setback ahead of GF as star prop fails ban challenge

The Melbourne Storm has been hit with a huge setback ahead of their NRL Grand Final preparation after star prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona failed in his bid to have a four-game NRL ban overturned.

Asofa-Solomona tried to challenge his ban to be reduced from a have a grade-three careless high tackle charge to a grade one.

The NZ Kiwi international was charged following his dangerous hit on Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins in the opening stages of last Friday’s preliminary final.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy now will have to find a replacement for Asofa-Solomona when he names his grand final team later today.

Meanwhile, Vodafone Fiji Bati prop Tui Kamikamica is expected to be in the match day 17 squad for the NRL Grand Final against the Panthers.

The Storm will take on the Panthers at 8.30pm Sunday at Accor Stadium in Sydney.