Warriors’ restrictions for $1m prop’s release as two clubs firm for star’s signature

The Warriors are reportedly set to apply strict rules to which club star prop Addin Fonua-Blake joins in 2025 after his bombshell release request.

The 28-year-old was initially seeking an immediate release, but after a meeting with club powerbrokers committed to the Warriors for the 2024 season.

The gun prop will reportedly only release him to a Sydney club, meaning on clubs within NSW with salary cap space will be able to sign him.

Fonua-Blake’s current contract is worth a reported $1 million-a-season and he is signed on with the Warriors until the end of 2026.

The Roosters have reportedly pulled out of the race for his signature, with the Panthers and Eels also won’t be making a play.

That leaves the Dragons and Bulldogs as the major players to acquire his services while the Rabbitohs, Sharks and Tigers would reportedly have to juggle their salary cap.

Interestingly, Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has a relationship with Fonua-Blake, having previously worked at the Warriors.

However, the Dragons are leading the race to acquire his services and have the cap space to be able to comfortably pay his salary.

He also previously played in the Dragons junior system but was let go in 2015 to join the Sea Eagles.

The Warriors reportedly want a player in return for Fonua-Blake, meaning the Red V would have to let go of a player from their own forward pack.

"Yep horse man has to go. He's dogey as. Remember he allowed izac tago to serve his suspension the next year because its not fair on panthers fans? The guy is full of hot air makes the rules as he goes."

Replies

Gaz Nelson November 21, 2023 at 7:30am

Would you swap Junior or RCG for the extra $100k hit on cap space. The freshen up might do Junior good, which would be win win.
- LB > Gaz Nelson November 21, 2023 at 10:08am
  
  I would not let RCG go at all, he has been our best middle since he got here. Paulo on the other hand......
- Electric Eel 2 > Gaz Nelson November 21, 2023 at 8:23pm
  
  No way would I swap RCG for Blake. RCG has been outstanding for us. That is just crazy talk!
  - Gaz Nelson > Electric Eel 2 November 21, 2023 at 8:31pm
    
    I wouldn't either .... RCG should be our forward leader. Not sure the thinking behind having junior as co-captain. Maybe the inspirational half time pep talks?
- Frank The Tank > Gaz Nelson November 21, 2023 at 8:25pm
  
  Jnr I'll pack his bags no way RCG
KENDOZA November 21, 2023 at 11:27am

Lol how the fark does south's even have space to get him
- Wizardssleeves official receipts > KENDOZA November 21, 2023 at 6:03pm
  
  Came here to say this . How the fuck can South's be mentioned with a straight face . Ditto Canterbury .
  
  See ya Junes .
  - KENDOZA > Wizardssleeves official receipts November 21, 2023 at 6:33pm
    
    Dogs rorting the cap again
Will 5150 November 21, 2023 at 12:32pm

RCG... AFB... there's a 3 name combo right there.