Addin Fonua-Blake has left the NRL world in shock after it was reported that he has asked for an immediate release from the New Zealand Warriors.
The Tongan international has been a cornerstone of the Warriors team since joining from Manly in 2021 and has since established himself as one of the game’s most imposing forwards.
Fonua-Blake has reportedly requested to leave on compassionate grounds in order to be closer to his parents in Sydney.
The 27-year-old initially left Australia due to personal reasons and has become arguably the Warriors' most important player over the last three seasons.
With a handful of clubs ready to cough up the nearly million dollars a season he is owed, The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis suggested that the club may be able to keep the star forward whilst fulfilling his wishes.
“A similar situation could develop here,” Carayannis told SENZ The Run Home.
“(The club) could say to Addin, ‘We understand your situation, we travel to Sydney a lot, we play multiple games in Sydney, is there a way we could give you some extended in Sydney in between matches?’.
“These are situations that I’m sure will be discussed.”
Carayannis admitted the age of the Warriors' other stars makes this development more concerning for the future of the club if they can’t find a suitable replacement.
“Tohu Harris and Shaun Johnson, as good as they are at the backend of their careers, whereas Addin Fonua-Blake is at the top echelon of front-rowers in the game,” Carayannis added.
“I think (finding a replacement) is the ideal outcome for both parties if they feel like they’re satisfied in finding a replacement.
“As good as Reece Walsh is, Charnze Nicol-Klokstad was outstanding for the Warriors this year, if they could find the equivalent (of Fonua-Blake) I guess they would.
“There’s not a lot of players (like him)… It’s such a blow for the Warriors, like I said maybe they can convince him to stay for another 12 months, then that gives them some to look at the open market.”
Fonua-Blake has made 62 appearances for the Warriors since joining in 2021 and led the team to a magical finals run during the 2023 season.