Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake dropped a major bombshell on November 1st, requesting an early release from New Zealand with three years remaining on his contract.
As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, the 28-year-old was seeking an immediate move back to Sydney on compassionate grounds, despite his deal in Auckland running through until the end of 2026.
The club confirmed the request the following day, before a revelation that Fonua-Blake would remain in Auckland for next season, before likely returning home to a Sydney-based franchise in 2025.
Fonua-Blake has established himself as one of the best front-rowers in the competition in recent years, earning Dally M honours and helping the Warriors to a prelim final and top-four berth in 2023.
His current contract is estimated at over $1 million per year, with a number of clubs expected to be lining up to acquire his services long-term if the Warriors do grant his request.
Where will Addin Fonua-Blake play in 2025?
According to the Daily Telegraph, Cronulla has won the race for Fonua-Blake's signature.
A report on Tuesday claims the front-rower has informed his teammates of his decision to sign a four-year deal with the Sharks, starting 2025.
Fonua-Blake is reportedly set to earn 950,000-$1,000,000 per year on the deal.
NRL rivals St George-Illawarra and Wests Tigers were both reported to have offered more money, while the Bulldogs recently withdrew from negotiations.
It's claimed the Sharks won the race as Fonua-Blake believed they were closer to a premiership than the other clubs chasing his signature.
“Why wouldn’t any club consider a player like Addin? He’d be a valuable asset to any team," club chairman Steve Mace told the Sydney Morning Herald publication in December.
Toby Rudolf has recently inked an extension to remain in the Shire, while the likes of Braden Hamlin-Uele and Jack Williams remain unsigned beyond 2024.