NRL 2020: Adam Blair weighing up NZ Warriors future, but family will come first

Veteran NZ Warriors forward Adam Blair admits he is unsure if he will be at the club beyond 2020, but his family will come first.

The former Kiwis captain has a player option for the 2021 season, but speculation has been rife that he is not wanted by the club.

Club owner Mark Robinson said in July that Blake Green and Gerald Beale wouldn't be retained beyond this season, while Blair's hefty salary also had him linked with a move away from Mt Smart Stadium.

Blair is reportedly set to earn NZ$650,000 in 2021 if he decides to remain at the club, but he admits he is weighing up his options - including retirement.

"I've always thought I would go around again next year," Blair said on Saturday.

"It's my option so I want to take my time with that.

"The club has extended the period on when I can take that option up, but because of what I am trying to do with where I sit in the team, whatever I decide to do - be it playing footy or not - I just want to enjoy what's left if this is the final year.

"My manager and the club are having those talks at the moment - there are a lot of variables and it's about making sure all the options are right for me before I make a decision."

Ultimately Blair said the decision on his future will be as much his family's to make as his, and they have enjoyed their return home. 

"It's a hard one because I really enjoy being back home in NZ and the thought about packing up and leaving is really tough -   especially on my family - but something great could come up.

"To be honest it's more about what my family wants than what I want."

After spending his entire professional career in Australia, Blair moved back home in 2018 to take up a lucrative deal with the Warriors, helping the side achieve a playoff spot in his first season.

But Blair's form has been inconsistent, and this season he has been relegated to a bench role.

However outgoing coach Todd Peyton spoke this week about Blair's performances in his new role, complementing the 34-year-old on providing some real steel when he comes on. 

"I'm just tryna enjoy what I am doing," Blair said. 

"I'm trying to play my part in the team and help out wherever I can - not only on the field but at training and after training

"Trying to help the younger guys who haven't played yet and prepare them when their opportunity comes.

"I just want to be a part of this team."

Blair and Warriors hooker Wade Egan
Blair and Warriors hooker Wade Egan Photo credit: Photosport

And one of those young guys may earn his first Warriors start on Sunday against the Bulldogs.

Halfback Paul Turner is on standby should Chanel Harris-Tevita fail to recover from a concussion suffered at training on Monday.

Turner has been quietly improving his game behind the scenes as a member of the first-grade squad for two seasons, and his skillset could surprise many according to a very impressed Blair.

"Paul has slipped straight in there and fulfilled his role at training.

"We all know what he can do - we have seen that in the training park. It's about him believing in himself and going out there and being himself. 

"He trains well and he has worked very hard to try and improve his craft - he plays what he sees, he is very instinctive and he likes to play some football - he has hung tough for three years and he may get the opportunity to play first grade on Sunday."

The Warriors are looking for a sixth win of the season on Sunday and a third in four weeks against cellar-dweller Canterbury.

But Blair said they cannot drop their guard and rely on the last three weekends of quality performances as a given they will earn the two-points. 

"We want to go out there and put in a performance we can all be proud of.

"We have prepared well and we know they have some quality players so it's up to us to come out firing on Sunday."

Join Newshub on Sunday for live coverage of the Warriors v Bulldogs from 4pm.