With co-vice captain Jesse Bromwich sidelined for up to a month with a medial ligament injury, Powerhouse prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona is prepared to lead our forward pack.
"Jess has been our forward leader for such a long time," Nels said to media on Tuesday.
"As one of the more senior players I'll have to step up without him.
"I’ll be doing my best to use my physical presence and get around the young boys to make sure they know their roles."
Ahead of Friday night's round 10 clash with the Titans, Nels said the boys had been giving Tino Fa'Asuamaleaui some stick about his move to the Gold Coast next season.
"The boys have been giving it to him, cropping his face on photos of people living in mansions and driving a Lamborghini," he laughed.
We've been geeing him up about playing against his future team.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona On playing against Tino's future club
Asofa-Solomona: 'I'll need to step up with Jesse out'
On a heartfelt note, Nels said watching teammate Brandon Smith play with visible emotion and pride always stirs something in him.
"He gets quite emotional before we run out," big Nels revealed.
"I think he’s just really grateful for the opportunity he’s been given. I think it hits him when he’s around the boys about to run onto the field.
He actually gets watery eyed - that’s how much it means to him to play for Storm.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona On Brandon Smith getting emotional before run out
"It reminds me how grateful I am to be in this jersey as well.
"He loves the boys so much too. After a try during his 50th game he ran up to Paps and me and started getting watery eyed and said 'I effing love you boys.'
"We all love him."
