Player Addin Fonua-Blake

[marv.]

Yeah also, if we had two up and coming props, Haas twins and that meant moving AFB on, would it be unreasonable for the club to try? Just because we had a 5 year deal?

get rid of him on compassionate grounds you reckon?
haha

 

[Shrewd_r8tor]

I'm not sure how to feel about this one. I'm arguing the devil and angel on my shoulders right now. Often the early release to the media is the managers play and the player just trusts the process so to speak Clearly it's not life or death situation or the club would let him go pending adequate compensation of course (though this could play out mid season still and he moves on in the window) If he has a great season again he's got my support if he's playing average webby will put him in his place I'm sure.
Though knowing webby is a players coach I think he'll get him playing his best again.

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Maybe he was legitimately concerned about his family? And jumped the gun only to have the communication and support of the club help him to stay for 2024 which is what might have happened if he had approached the club but not let it out to the media.

 

[waipiro]

Yeah also, if we had two up and coming props, Haas twins and that meant moving AFB on, would it be unreasonable for the club to try? Just because we had a 5 year deal?

Thats been a rollercoaster 24hrs!

Always harder when we are the one getting dumped.
At the end of the day though Is clubs telling contracted players they are "free to negotiate with other clubs" essentially the same as a player asking for a "compassionate leave" release?

 

[sballer7]

Thats been a rollercoaster 24hrs!

Always harder when we are the one getting dumped.
At the end of the day though Is clubs telling contracted players they are "free to negotiate with other clubs" essentially the same as a player asking for a "compassionate leave" release?

No, its actually a gesture of goodwill by the club. Telling a player they wont be retained for xyz reason once their contract is up, and they are free to negotiate a better deal elsewhere is obviously mutually beneficial.

 

[Shrewd_r8tor]

Maybe he was legitimately concerned about his family? And jumped the gun only to have the communication and support of the club help him to stay for 2024 which is what might have happened if he had approached the club but not let it out to the media.

 

[Playdaball]

Mrs FB , hmmmmm

 

[tajhay]

Mrs FB , hmmmmm

What did she say this time. Always keen for everyone to hear her thoughts. Must be a female version of Jazz.

 

[Playdaball]

I’ve heard from someone in the ‘camp’ that she is a shocker …

 

[Noitall]

I’ve heard from someone in the ‘camp’ that she is a shocker …

Does mum think he’s underpaid?

 

[Worried2Death]

View attachment 4286

Still not buying this, looks like a snowjob to take the heat off while the horse trading goes on behind closed doors. I'll be pleasantly surprised if Addin's still here round 1.

 

[j_p]

I’ve heard from someone in the ‘camp’ that she is a shocker …

There were some weird posts from her around the time he was leaving manly early to come here if I remember correctly.

 

[kos]

All women have psycho tendencies
Just the way they are
She is prob the boss of AFB

 

[BabylonPink]

Big difference working at Maccas to playing in the NRL.

No one forced him to singing a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract.

No one forced me to work at Macca's lol

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

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

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf says the personal grounds behind Addin Fonua-Blake seeking a release from the Warriors were very genuine.

www.nrl.com

Interesting that wolfe knew of the family issue before he went away with Tonga, surely the club knew also, wierd timing.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

What did she say this time. Always keen for everyone to hear her thoughts. Must be a female version of Jazz.

Pretty sure he's been with her a while yeah? Mother of his kids etc.. My guess is she's an 'advisor' and has been in the ear of both him and his manager. This could actually explain a lot.

** Read into this comment from Woolf**

Quote
"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,"

Now why would AFB be surprised?

 

[Defence]

Pretty sure he's been with her a while yeah? Mother of his kids etc.. My guess is she's an 'advisor' and has been in the ear of both him and his manager. This could actually explain a lot.

** Read into this comment from Woolf**

Quote
"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,"

Now why would AFB be surprised?

Surprised it was leaked I think.
I’d be very surprised if the leak was from our end though- more likely his management or another club put that out there.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Surprised it was leaked I think.
I’d be very surprised if the leak was from our end though- more likely his management or another club put that out there.

What if the leak came from her. She is his partner. Journos are for sure taking her call.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Tbh I'm still not sold on this being 100% over.
Now that things have been 'sorted' for 2024 and this isn't the biggest story in the media any more, you can't tell me if another team comes enquiring for him (Newcastle with the Saifitis, or Tigers with Stefano and Paps etc) for a trade for 2024, that we wouldn't jump on that to have this whole sorry saga over.

Also, how does this now work....is AFB deffo gone for 2025? So are teams who have 1mil + to spend for 2025 now looking at AFB, or is it a 'wait and see'. Quite tricky considering teams are on the hunt right now. Most probably wouldn't leave a spare mill in their 2025 cap just incase all of this turns to custard in 6 months surely

 

[Blain]

I'm thinking the asking for a release and then quickly agreeing to stay on next year is a strategic manager at play. What he has done is basically put himself on the market for 2025, and let decent clubs be aware that he is available so make sure you have the cap space to fit him in. He won't want to play at a shit club like the Dragons or Dogs, who are probably the only teams who would be able to fit him for 2024 (with some releases you would think).

It also gives the Warriors the feeling of satisfaction with him staying, even though he's going to cut his stay short. I mean this came out right after the November deadline, they are saying don't spend your money for 25, wait for me.

At least this gives us time to sort a plan to replace him, although this has potential to impact team chemistry.