Addin Fonua-Blake set to request immediate release in bombshell move

One of rugby league’s best players has dropped a bomb on his team to send the NRL’s transfer market into utter meltdown.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 19: Addin Fonua-Blake of the Warriors looks on during the round 23 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 19, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The NRL transfer market has been sent into meltdown with prop superstar Addin Fonua-Blake reportedly set to request an immediate release from the New Zealand Warriors.

Fonua-Blake, the Dally M prop of the year, is set to notify the club of his intentions to return to Sydney, The Daily Telegraph reports.

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His request for an immediate release is said to be due to compassionate grounds.

One of the best front-rowers in the game, his request to find a new home for the 2024 season will spark chaotic scenes as teams fight to secure his services.

The 27-year-old has three years remaining on his current contract that’s worth more than $1m a season, making him the highest-earning prop in the NRL

He joined the Warriors following the 2020 season after requesting a release on compassionate grounds from the Manly Sea Eagles.

Fonua-Blake wants out. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

There will be no shotage of suitors for a man considered one of the NRL’s best front rowers along with Payne Haas, James Fisher-Harris and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

The Dragons are in desperate need of an elite middle, while the Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Sea Eagles would all happily open the cheque book for a star prop.

His request strikes a major blow for the Warriors after he played a key role in helping them make the preliminary finals this year.

Fonua-Blake wants to return to Sydney. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The star player stole the show at the Dally M Medal when he took over the red carpet with an eccentric outfit.

He showed up rocking an intricately detailed gold shirt, an outfit reminiscent of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s now-famous wrestling fits.

Interviewed on the red carpet by Josh Mansour, Fonua-Blake played down any particular forethought having gone into the outfit, describing it as “just a Versace shirt”.

Fonua-Blake’s outfit sent NRL fans into a spin, with the NRL Roast saying on social media it looked like he was “about to drop the hottest wrestling promo of 2023 at the Dally Ms tonight.”