The NZ Warriors have been boosted by securing the long-term future of prop Addin Fonua-Blake, extending his contract through until the end of the 2026 season.
One of the best front rowers in the NRL, Fonua-Blake's signing was a coup for the Warriors after he left Manly Sea Eagles for the 2021 season.
But after a 2021 campaign disrupted by injury, Fonua-Blake has put pen to paper that sees the initial deal he signed extended for another three seasons.
Even despite having not played a game in New Zealand yet due to the Warriors' relocation to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fonua-Blake cites the impact of the club on his family as reason to stick around for the foreseeable future.
"I love being here and I'm excited about what's ahead of us," Fonua-Blake says.
"My family also loves it here and we can't wait to get over to New Zealand and really experience what the club is all about.
"It just made sense to me to commit for the long-term right now. I didn't want the distraction of contract negotiations later this year. I wanted it all sorted out now so my focus can be on playing footy for this club."
Even though he was restricted to only 15 NRL appearances last season, Fonua-Blake was voted as the Warriors' players' player of the year by his teammates, and also captained the club.
