NRL 2020: Addin Fonua-Blake’s Manly release could trigger merry-go-round
Tongan captain Jason Taumalolo could hold the key to delivering Addin Fonua-Blake to North Queensland, but the move could force the Cowboys to move on several star players, as Manly eye a shock replacement.
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Powerhouse forward Jason Taumalolo could prove the pivotal player in luring Manly prop Addin Fonua-Blake to North Queensland.
And the move – according to well-placed Brisbane sources – has prompted links between Manly and suspended Broncos forward Tevita Pangai.
Taumalolo and Fonua-Blake have become firm friends through their time together when representing Tonga.
While North Queensland has little room remaining in their salary cap for next season, Taumalolo’s immense influence in Townsville could trigger Cowboys officials to move on Fonua-Blake.
The pair was instrumental in Tonga’s famous 16-12 win over Australia’s Kangaroos in Auckland last November. Ironically, Pangai started on the Tongan bench.
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While many are disappointed Fonua-Blake will leave with two years remaining on his current deal, there are elements inside Manly not overly upset he is going. His away-from-football acquaintances did worry some at the Sea Eagles.
Currently, North Queensland couldn’t afford Fonua-Blake’s $700,000 to $800,000 a season price tag for 2021 and 2022.
Cowboys’ management could though look to move one of the club’s higher-paid players – possibly State of Origin forward Josh Maguire, who has been linked to St George Illawarra.
Given it is mid-September, North Queensland would have to expedite any moves to offload a player for next season.
The Daily Telegraph reached out to Cowboys football manager Peter Parr for comment but he was uncontactable.
Fonua-Blake, 24, sought a release from Brookvale to shift his young family out of Sydney.
Manly has allowed Fonua-Blake to negotiate with North Queensland, New Zealand Warriors, Brisbane and Gold Coast Titans.
New Zealand has already expressed bold interest in a prop some claim to be the best in rugby league. Fonua-Blake also has friends playing with the Warriors. His interest is genuine.
In June last year, before North Queensland’s match against Manly, Taumalolo and Fonua-Blake were exchanging friendly text messages.
“Addin is a big boy and definitely not one that will back down against us. I’m sure he is looking forward to playing me and get one over me before we head into camp (with Tonga) together,” Taumalolo said.
“For me and Addin, I think we will be catching up on a few other things on the field too. I will be into him about how he is playing.”
Manly now has significant cash to spend with Fonua-Blake having now walked away and second-rower Joel Thompson heading to England.
Inevitably, Manly has been linked to Pangai, the champion Brisbane player stood down for the rest of this year for COVID restriction breaches.
While there is no suggestion Manly has made an official play for Pangai, the Ashfield-born forward would be an ideal replacement for Fonua-Blake.
Pangai was expected to be axed by the club but has now been told his contract will be honoured – provided he behaves.
While the drama between Pangai and Brisbane has been – at least temporarily – resolved, there is still every chance the big forward could explore his options in Sydney.
Pangai has been stood down without pay by Brisbane.
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RIVAL’S $2.5M AFB PLAY AS MANLY EYES SHOCK TARGET
—Michael Caryannis
The Sea Eagles will turn their attention to the player market with the likes of Kieran Foran and Luke Garner among potential targets as the club deals with the shock release request of Addin Fonua-Blake.
Sea Eagles officials were completely blindsided when an emotional Fonua-Blake spoke to the club on Monday and told them he wanted out of the final two years of his deal.
Fonua-Blake told the club he and his young family had a desire to quit Sydney and move closer to family.
The Sea Eagles responded by allowing the 24-year-old to discuss his playing future at only four clubs – the three Queensland-based teams and the Warriors given he or his wife have family in those areas.
New Zealand are the early favourites to sign the Tongan international and are already in the midst of finalising a three-year $2.5 million offer.
They are on the lookout for a marquee forward having missed out on Jack de Belin after offering the St George Illawarra player more than $700,000-a-season.
The Cowboys are another club interested but would have to shed players to accommodate Fonua-Blake which rumblings in recent days suggestion Josh McGuire could be making an exit from the club.
Interim Warriors coach Todd Payten, who joins the Cowboys next year, praised Fonua-Blake but stopped-short of declaring North Queensland a contender for his services.
“He would be good on anyone’s team,” Payten said. “He is in the top echelon of front-rowers. He is a smart, aggressive player and would add to any team that could get their hands on him.
“We don’t have any money and we don’t have any spots.”
While the Sea Eagles are prepared to let Fonua-Blake, who is part of their leadership group, go they have made it abruptly clear they won’t be paying any more of his $800,000-a-year contract for him to play elsewhere.
The club will also seek compensation from whatever club Fonua-Blake joins – in the form of a financial agreement or player swap.
What Fonua-Blake’s decision does do is that it allows the Sea Eagles to add some much needed depth to their roster and eases some of the club’s salary cap pressures.
The club have re-signed hooker Manase Fainu to a two-year deal despite Fainu being sidelined under the NRL’s no fault stand-down policy. Fainu won’t be available to play until July at the earliest when he will again be in court to answer multiple charges after allegedly stabbing a man last year.
Manly have been on the lookout for an edge back-rower to replace St Helens bound Joel Thompson with Tigers’ Garner mentioned as a potential target despite having two years left on his deal.
Garner played in the Sea Eagles 2015 under-20s grand final loss to Penrith alongside Tom Trbojevic. Foran is also expected to again be placed on the Sea Eagles’ radar.
Discussion between the Sea Eagles and Jason Saab are well advanced and is expected to include a player swap with St George Illawarra for Reuben Garrick.
The Sea Eagles have also not progressed in discussions with Albert Hopoate who has also been linked to the Warriors.
The Bulldogs officially announced on Wednesday that back-rower Corey Waddell will join the club on a three year deal from Manly.
Originally published as NRL 2020: Addin Fonua-Blake’s Manly release could trigger merry-go-round