The Sharks have announced the signing of Warriors forward Addin Fonua-Blake on a four-year deal from 2025.
The Tonga international will see out the upcoming season with the Warriors but has been granted a release from the final two years of his contract to join the Sharks, after previously revealing he wished to move closer to family.
Born in Sydney, the star prop played his junior football for the Mascot Jets and has played 159 NRL games for the Sea Eagles and Warriors, as well as representing New Zealand and Tonga at international level.
“Addin is a world class front-rower and we are delighted to be adding him to our roster from 2025,” Fitzgibbon said in a statement on Tuesday.
How's the footwork on Addin Fonua-Blake!
“Throughout the negotiation process we have been impressed by his attitude, his genuine desire to help make the Sharks successful and to complement and work alongside both those in our leadership group and the young forwards we have coming through our system."
“As Dally M Prop of the Year and on the back of a couple of outstanding seasons, everyone has seen what he is capable of and we look forward to Addin playing a major role for us here at the Sharks.
Fonua-Blake averaged 171 run metres per game in 2023, broke 73 tackle breaks and scored nine tries to help the Warriors to their first preliminary final since 2011.
Warriors CEO Cameron George said in a statement on Tuesday that the arrangement with the Sharks excluded a player swap.
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George confirmed the club had been in discussions with the Sharks "for some time" after Fonua-Blake had earlier in November requested a release on compassionate grounds from the last three years of his contract.
An agreement was subsequently reached for him to remain with the Warriors for the 2024 season.
"The arrangement excludes a player swap but we will continue to consider our options," George said.
