‘Fully committed’: Fresh twist after NZ Warriors transfer bombshell

There’s been a fresh twist after one of the NRL’s best forwards requested to leave his club in a move that shook up the transfer market.

Addin Fonua-Blake will play for the Warriors in 2024. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

The New Zealand Warriors say Addin Fonua-Blake will remain with the team at least for next season, a day after the prop sent the NRL transfer market into meltdown.

The superstar forward notified the Warriors of his intentions to return to Sydney, requesting an immediate release from the club on compassionate grounds.

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Fonua-Blake is contracted until at least the end of 2026 on a deal worth about $1 million a season, making him one of the highest earning players in the NRL.

The Dally M prop of the year was a huge reason for the Warriors’ resurgence this year and it would be a major blow if he was to depart.

But on Friday, Warriors CEO Cameron George reassured fans Fonua-Blake would suit up for the club next season and they would reassess his options from 2025 onwards.

“It was confirmed yesterday that Fonua-Blake had requested a release on compassionate grounds from the last three years of his contract,” George said in a statement.

“Following discussions overnight George said agreement had been reached for Fonua-Blake to remain with the New Zealand Warriors for the 2024 season while assessing his personal circumstances for 2025 and beyond.”

Addin Fonua-Blake requested a release from the New Zealand Warriors. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

Fonua-Blake said: “My only motivation for this move is for family reasons.

“But I really want all Warriors fans to know that I am fully committed to getting into the 2024 season.

“I can’t wait to get back to training with my teammates.”

There would be no shortage 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 forward pack, while the Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Sea Eagles would all happily open the cheque book for a star prop.

Addin Fonua-Blake will suit up for the Warriors in 2024. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

New Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said St George Illawarra would be extremely interested in signing Fonua-Blake.

But those plans will have to wait at least another year after the Warriors and Fonua-Blake agreed the 27-year-old will remain across the ditch for the 2024 season.

Fonua-Blake joined the Warriors following the 2020 season after also requesting a release on compassionate grounds from the Manly Sea Eagles.

He would be the hottest name on the NRL transfer market along with Jarome Luai, who is considering whether he stays at Penrith or moves elsewhere from 2025.