Addin Fonua-Blake will stay with the Warriors for the 2024 season.
The prop asked for an immediate release from his contract for compassionate reasons on Thursday.
However, as reported earlier by Stuff, an agreement was reached on Friday that he would continue playing for the Warriors next season and his future at the club beyond that discussed at a later date.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said there were discussions overnight and agreement had been reached for Fonua-Blake to remain for the 2024 season “while assessing his personal circumstances for 2025 and beyond”.
In a statement issued by the Warriors, 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 with the aim to go even further in the upcoming season.”
Fonua-Blake was signed with the Warriors until the end of the 2026 season and it shocked the club when he informed them that he wanted a release to enable him to return to living in Australia, reportedly so that he could be closer to his parents.
Despite his price tag of over $1 million a season, Australian clubs were already lining up to try to lure the 27-year-old old front rower, who is coming into his prime years and regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan stated on Thursday he’d love to have Fonua-Blake on his books next year.
Stuff understands a number of other clubs, including the Sharks, wanted him and were prepared to pay him more than he’s on at the Warriors.
Allowing Fonua-Blake to walk away from his contract would have been a major blow for the Warriors, not only because they’d be losing a player with his abilities, but they’d have to desperately search to find another middle forward for next year.
It would have been a similar situation to when Shaun Johnson left the Warriors at the end of the 2018 season to join the Sharks and the club was left scrambling for another quality half for the following year’s campaign.
Fonua-Blake remaining with the Warriors for 2024 enables Andrew McFadden, the club’s general manager of recruitment, retention and pathways, to find a suitable replacement for 2025, if the star forward Fonua-Blake does leave at the end of next season.
Prior to Friday’s meeting, the Warriors had been considering an option where they’d only let Fonua-Blake leave immediately if a player swap deal could be reached with another club.
However, with the agreement reached between the Warriors and Fonua-Blake, that’s something that won’t now need to be looked into.
The Warriors have shown an understanding to players who want to move back to Australia for compassionate reasons in the past.
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