NZ Warriors have reportedly set terms that would allow prop Addin Fonua-Blake to be released, as the star front-rower's future with the club remains uncertain after next year.
Earlier this month, Fonua-Blake rocked the Warriors by requesting an immediate release from his contract, which expires at the end of 2026.
For now, he has agreed to stay in Auckland for 2024, but what happens after the upcoming season is still unknown. The 28-year-old wants to leave the Warriors on compassionate grounds to be closer to his family in Sydney.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Warriors would only release Fonua-Blake to a Sydney-based club as a result, if and when he's allowed to leave.
The Daily Telegraph also reports the Warriors will demand a player in exchange for Fonua-Blake, with the NRL's market for first-grade quality front-rowers limited over the coming season.
So far, St George Illawarra Dragons have made no secret of their desire to bring Fonua-Blake to Wollongong and are reportedly offering more than $1 million per season.
New Dragons coach Shane Flanagan reportedly enlisted the help of his side's Tongan players to convince Fonua-Blake to sign, while on international duty earlier this year.
Fonua-Blake played for the Dragons as a youth, before he joined Manly Sea Eagles in 2015.
Sydney Roosters are understood to be out of the race, due to Fonua-Blake's high salary demands, while Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers are in similar positions.
The Sydney-only condition would only allow Fonua-Blake to join the Sea Eagles, Canterbury Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cronulla Sharks or Wests Tigers, if he opted against signing for the Dragons.
Fonua-Blake is coming off a career-best season for the Warriors and was named Dally M Prop of the Year, alongside Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas.
