'Far from an empty line': Woolf gives insight into Fonua-Blake's release request

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf says Addin Fonua-Blake's citing of "compassionate grounds" in asking for a release from New Zealand Warriors is "far from an empty line".

Fonua-Blake is out of the Third Test against England this because of a groin injury but he remains firmly in the spotlight after requesting a release to be nearer his family in New South Wales.

Woolf said his captain's personal issues were very genuine.

"I obviously knew a fair bit about his family situation before he came away," Woolf said at the Mate Ma'a captain's run at Headingley Stadium.

"It's a terrific sign of him as a bloke and as a leader. He's had a fair bit going on at home and he's been really committed to this group.

"That's one thing I love about this group: we've got guys who want to put their hands up and want to do commit to what we're doing regardless of what's happening back in Australia. He's certainly a great example of that."

"The media and what came out in the media caught everyone - including him - by surprise a little bit but he's handled it really well," Woolf continued.

"It hasn't had an impact on the group. One thing he knows is he's got our support. We'll certainly rally around him and make sure he feels it."

"Compassionate grounds" has become a bit of a trope for homesick antipodean players in England but Woolf said: "It's far from an empty line, no."

The Warriors announced that Fonua-Blake would remain with the club in 2024 following a request to be released from his contract.

Warriors CEO Cameron George confirmed that that the 27-year-old prop had requested an immediate release on compassionate grounds but would remain with the team in 2024 while assessing his personal circumstances for 2025 and beyond.

Fonua-Blake's absence from the clash at Headingley Stadium is not related to that development – a groin injury instead the culprit, with fullback Will Hopoate expected to be confirmed as the new captain.

The other big news when coach Kristian Woolf named his side was the inclusion on the bench of 18-year-old Wests Tigers prodigy Latu Fainu. He replaces Deon Taupa in the 14 jersey – a huge moment in the teenager’s short career.

In the starting side, Hame Sele is Fonua-Blake’s replacement and Keaon Koloamatangi takes the place of Felise Kaufusi who moves back to the bench.

Sydney Roosters youngster Siua Wong is in jersey 18 meaning that, as things stand, Fainu is the only debutant as Tonga look to avoid a series whitewash.

England coach Shaun Wane has chosen not to keep the opposition guessing over the make-up of his halves with captain George Williams back from suspension.

Mikey Lewis is not in Wane’s 19, named in alphabetical order, meaning Williams will partner Harry Smith. Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley is out of the game due to a groin injury alongside Tommy Makinson (wrist) and Toby King (ankle).

Ben Currie, Josh Thewlis, Tyler Dupree, Robbie Mulhern and new Canberra Raiders signing Morgan Smithies come into the squad.

“I’m really pleased to be able to give everyone who was named in my original squad the opportunity to feature in this series,” Wane said.

“Robbie, Tyler and Ben have all had impressive seasons at club level and deserve their call-up into the side for this final game against Tonga.

“It’s great to be able to welcome George back into the fold as England captain. Mikey has been brilliant in the opening two games, but I had always said George would come back in once his suspension was served.

I’m really confident that the squad I’ve selected can get the job done and finish the series in style in front of a packed house in Leeds.

England coach Shaun Wane

Woolf commented: “While we are disappointed to have not get the results in the first two games, I have not seen any change in the focus of the players.

“I’ve been impressed with the professionalism and commitment to their preparation they have shown throughout this series.

“They have dealt with that bit of failure well and have shown us they want to put in a really strong performance in this third game.

“While we can’t win the series, we are very keen to finish off this historic series strongly with a win over England.”