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'He's always been a freak' - Ex-All Blacks prop backs Kiwis' Nelson Asofa-Solomona for union switch

November 14, 2017

Neemia Tialata says that his cousin would shine if he crossed codes.

Former All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata says that Kiwis rookie Nelson Asofa-Solomona has everything it takes to succeed in rugby union - should he decide to switch codes.

After a breakout season with the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, Asofa-Solomona is currently with the Kiwis, preparing to take on Fiji in this weekend's World Cup quarter final in his hometown of Wellington.

His cousin - 43-Test All Blacks prop Tialata - reckons that Asofa-Solomona would do just as well in an All Blacks jersey, than in the black and white of the Kiwis.

"He's always been a freak," Tialata told 1 NEWS.

In 2013 the bulldozing forward was a star for Wellington College, tonight he’ll take the field in the NRL Grand Final.

"I probably could see him in the back row somewhere, or out in the centres."

Tialata also said that Asofa-Solomona's background, which saw him switch from union to league in his youth, would serve in good stead should he wish to cross back over.

"Obviously coming from a rugby union family and background, it would be easy for him to make the switch later on."

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