Melbourne will clear Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s salary from their cap after the powerful front-rower was granted a release from the final two years of his contract.

The Storm on Thursday granted Asofa-Solomona’s request to leave the club, allowing him to “consider other opportunities”.

The New Zealand prop has been linked to a move to breakaway rugby competition R360, and would also be expected to command interest from rivals in the NRL.

One of the Storm’s longest-serving players, Asofa-Solomona has been a cornerstone of the club’s pack since his debut in 2015.

But he has been suspended for the past two grand finals, with Melbourne desperately missing his size and power in losses to Penrith and Brisbane.

In all, Asofa-Solomona played 215 games for the Storm and won premierships in 2017 a

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