Cronulla have landed a major signing coup which should help push them into future premiership contention after luring Addin Fonua-Blake to the Shire.
The 28-year-old sent shockwaves through New Zealand rugby league when he informed the Warriors that he wanted to return to Australia for family reasons despite enjoying a stellar season under Andrew Webster in 2023.
A mad scramble for his services ensued with St George Illawarra and Canterbury expressing their interest in signing the prop.
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However, the Sharks emerged as a dark horse in the latter stages of negotiations and have now locked Fonua-Blake in on a four-year deal from 2025 onwards.
Addin Fonua-Blake signs with Cronulla Sharks on four-year deal
Fonua-Blake has been granted an early release from his Warriors contract on compassionate grounds, allowing him to sign with Craig Fitzgibbon's side on a long-term deal.
"Addin is a world class front rower and we are delighted to be adding him to our roster from 2025," the head coach said upon an announcement of the move.
"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."
Cronulla were able to sign Fonua-Blake by releasing Matt Moylan and Connor Tracey to give themselves enough room to manoeuvre in the salary cap.
The enforcer will link up with his new club in 2025 despite initially having two years still to run on his deal with the Warriors.
In exchange for the early release, New Zealand's CEO Cameron George confirmed the club would receive a player swap in return.
"The arrangement excludes a player swap but we will continue to consider our options," George revealed in a press release.
The Tongan captain, who has made over 150 NRL appearances to date since his debut in 2016, will be expected to add the quality needed in the middle of the park to make Cronulla a premiership contender.
The tackle-busting forward enjoyed arguably his best year in first grade last season, averaging 170 running metres and scoring nine tries for the Warriors as they advanced to their first preliminary final in over a decade.
"As Dally M Front Rower 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," Fitzgibbon added.