SIGNING WARRIORS STAR ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE: TWO SYDNEY CLUBS EQUAL FAVOURITES

Star forward Addin Fonua-Blake of the New Zealand Warriors will stay with the team until 2024, but after that, a few NRL teams in Sydney are keen to sign him.

Many Warriors fans were taken aback when word leaked out this month that Fonua-Blake, 28, had requested an immediate release on compassionate grounds so that he could be closer to his parents in Australia. The 28-year-old had a fantastic season that culminated in his being named the Dally M Prop of the Year.

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio thinks that the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs should be regarded as equal favorites, in an interview with Vossy and Brandy on SEN Breakfast.

“There’s a clear connection between Addin Fonua-Blake and Phil Gould that goes back to Gus’ time with the Warriors. He did work as a consultant for a brief period of time during the COVID years, essentially helping to develop the Warriors’ pathways system. He has a strong relationship with the Warriors and Fonua-Blake as a result of that, so I think that carries some weight,” Riccio stated.

The Bulldogs’ decision to sever ties with Sio Siua Taukeiaho, citing a medical report as justification, has also released a substantial amount of salary cap space.

“Fonua-Blake is a former Dragon who went through the system with several clubs, including South Sydney. He was previously coached by Dragons assistant coach Dean Young.” I believe that Fonua-Blake is still connected to the Dragons.