New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has reassured fans of the team that star forward Addin Fonua-Blake is committed to the final year of his stint at the club.
Just weeks after stunning the club with a request to leave, Fonua-Blake has agreed to terms with the Cronulla Sharks and will depart the Warriors at the end of the 2024 season to move closer to home.
The Warriors are set to release him from his deal on compassionate grounds under the condition that he remains with the club for the upcoming season, giving them ample time to find a replacement.
Despite being unaware of Fonua-Blake’s move to the Sharks, Webster stated his confidence in the Dally M Prop of the Year giving it his all for the Warriors in 2024.
“I’ve loved what he’s given to the club,” Webster told SENZ The Run Home.
“I love what he wants to give to us this season as well, Addin is as motivated as I’ve seen.
“It’s been really obvious to me in all my discussions with Addin and Ana, his wife, (they’ve) made it clear that it’s not about not loving here, they absolutely love it, they love the club and the country.
“They’ve got a real family thing that they need to attend to, they need to get home and be there.
“That’s hard to take but we’ve got to be supportive of that, we support Addin and his family one hundred per cent.”
Fonua-Blake had previously told the Warriors of his intentions to move back to Sydney in order to be closer to his family and in particular his parents.
“If everything is all fine and done, then he goes with our full support,” Webster added.
“We’ve communicated really well with Addin over this and he’s communicated well with us.”
Fonua-Blake will join the Sharks upon the completion of the 2024 season when he will start the first of a four-year deal with the club.