AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 22: Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm is tackled by Shaun Johnson and Simon Mannering of the Warriors during the round 19 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm's Nelson Asofa-Solomona could be seen in purple colours for many years to come as the front rower is close to accepting a new contract extension.

The 22-year old is contracted until the end of next season, but talks of a new three-year deal could see the 200-centimetre forward at the Storm until 2022.

The new deal, which NRL.com understands Asofa-Solomona has agreed too, will be announced after the Storm's Grand Final clash with the Roosters this Sunday.

Since being considered a serious rugby union prodigy for the All Blacks at the age of 17, Asofa-Solomona has remained loyal to the Melbourne team, pushing away offers from rival clubs.

Asofa-Solomona told NRL.com the character that is coach Craig Bellamy is one of the many reasons he wants stay at the Storm.

"I came back into pre-season a bit overweight after the World Cup," Asofa-Solomona said.

"I was trying a vegan diet but I didn't do it right. I was trying all the sauces and trying to make that vegan food taste nice and I didn't realise that the sauces are the bad stuff for you.

"After that break Craig brought me into the meeting room and there was a few people in there with us and he started going off his head.

"I was up to 127-128 kilos, I tend to play about 122-123, depending when I jump on the scales.

"Now I weigh in every morning, there's a few of us that do it but I think I'm the main culprit. I sometimes get more nervous about that than games sometimes, Craig's usually watching, he's always around doing some form of fitness.

"You'd be worried if he wasn't on your case, because you know where his intentions are and that he wants the best from you. It's all about how you take the criticism, I took that as a positive.

"For me the focus is my playing weight as much as anything. That's the key for me. He knows if my weight is going well, I play my best footy and everything falls into place mentally and physically."

The Kiwi international was first signed to the Storm in 2010 under their scholarship program, and stunned many when he rejected a big offer from Super Rugby team the Hurricanes and the chance to play for the All Blacks to play rugby league.

Despite his family wanting to stay closer to home, Asofa-Solomona put his faith in the Storm and his loyalty is beginning to pay off with stand out performances coming.

Now Asofa-Solomona's family has made the move across the ditch to live in Melbourne and the prop said he couldn't be happier.

"I love the Storm, I came over in 2010 and just fell in love with the culture and everything they stand for," Asofa-Solomona said.

"Rugby was interested for sure when I was young, it was a tussle between the Hurricanes and the Storm.

"In my heart I know I would've been comfortable in rugby but this was a serious test, moving to Melbourne, testing myself out and really trying to make myself a better player and person.

"The club has helped provide for my family and I do really just love the place here. It's a winning culture and the boys are great, I'm really enjoying life here. It's been the right decision to come here for sure and it's where I want to stay."