Cronulla recruit Addin Fonua-Blake opens up on why he joined the club, and where he hopes to take it

In his first interview since arriving at the Sharks, Addin Fonua-Blake tells David Riccio why he chose to move to Cronulla, and how one legend of the club helped to seal the deal.

Addin Fonua-Blake has heard the noise.

The destructive prop-forward has heard all about how, being one of the biggest signings ahead of the 2025 NRL season, that he has the power to single-handedly elevate Cronulla from preliminary finalists to premiers.

Like the damage he does to the opposition and extraordinary output that has led the 29-year-old to be lauded by many as the best front-rower in the game, Fonua-Blake says he’s ready for the hype.

“I don’t feel any extra pressure. I just go out there and play and do what I do,” Fonua-Blake said.

“I don’t worry about expectations. However, it’s good that those expectations are on me because I’m not going to shy away from the challenge.

“I want to help take the Sharks to the next step and I’m excited to see how far we can go.”

In his first interview since arriving at the Sharks after spending the past four years at the Warriors, Fonua-Blake has outlined the core reasons as to why he chose to move to Cronulla.

The Bulldogs, Tigers and Dragons all showed interest in the 29-year-old before he ultimately signed with the Sharks following a series of stealth-like negotiations, just under 12 months ago.

Addin Fonua-Blake wearing the Sharks colours for the first time. Credit: Supplied.

“There’s a few things,” Fonua-Blake said.

“One of them being how everyone that I asked about the Sharks all spoke about Fitzy (Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon).

“They all spoke about how he’s a world-class coach, but he’s also a man’s man who tells it like it is, which is exactly what I think you need as a player.

“Then also, the Sharks being entrenched in the top eight year after year is a big factor.

“It’s not like I’m going to a club going through a rebuild.”

Fonua-Blake finished the 2024 season with the highest average run metres of any forward in the NRL with 153 metres per match.

The Tongan captain is viewed by many as the closest Cronulla have come to filling the long-lasting void of premiership-winning prop Andrew Fifita, in 2022.

Ironically, Fifita played his part in luring Fonua-Blake to the black, white and blue.

“Big ‘Bop’ (Andrew Fifita) was talking to me on the phone during my decision and he wrapped the club as well,” Fonua-Blake said.

“And I also already know a few boys here.

“I spoke to the likes of Sifa (Talakai), Sione (Katoa) and I played previously with Nicho (Hynes) at Manly.

Andrew Fifita (R) played a role in luring his former Tonga teammate Fonua-Blake (C) to the Sharks.

“After I spoke to a few people, including coaches from different teams about how Fitzy and the coaching staff operate, it was a no-brainer and I haven’t looked back since.”

After falling agonisingly short of leading Tonga to victory over Australia with a 20-14 loss in the Pacific Championships final last month, Fonua-Blake will commence pre-season training with the Sharks on Monday.

He pulled on the Sharks new home jersey for a photo shoot and walked away with a spring in his step.

“It’s my first couple of days here and I’m loving it,” Fonua-Blake said.

“I’m really excited.

“It’s the start of a new journey. I’m a little bit out of my comfort zone just because I feel like a new kid in class.

“But what excites me is this great team.

“We have a great roster and are coached by a great coach, so I’m just so eager to get in and see where I can add value.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Originally published as Cronulla recruit Addin Fonua-Blake opens up on why he joined the club, and where he hopes to take it