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New Zealand Test forward Adam Blair has joined the Brisbane Broncos on a three-year deal after securing a release from NRL rivals Wests Tigers.
Blair, who starred in the Kiwis’ Four Nations final triumph over Australia on Saturday night, will help fill a big void in the Broncos’ pack next season.
With Wayne Bennett’s return as coach, Brisbane have cleaned out a number of front-rowers with Ben Hannant, David Hala and Martin Kennedy all joining rival NRL clubs.
Blair mostly played in the back row in his time at the Tigers, but plays in the middle of the field as a lock forward. He will likely join Corey Parker as a man who can play both in the back row, and up front.
Blair, 28, has played 192 NRL games plus 30 Tests for the Kiwis in a career that started at Melbourne in 2006.
“Adam is a highly experienced player,” said Broncos chief executive Paul White.
“He has enormous experience at both NRL and representative level, and will bring toughness and leadership to the Broncos’ squad.”
“And at 111kg, he will also add some more size to our forwards stocks.
“He is a World Cup winner coming off a great Four Nations campaign where he was a major contributor to the New Zealand victory, and at age 28 has several seasons of great football ahead of him.
“We are excited about the role he can play for the Brisbane Broncos, and we welcome him and his family to the club.”
New Wests Tigers Jason Taylor thanked Blair for his three years at the club.
“On behalf of Wests Tigers I’d like to thank Adam for his effort and commitment both on and off the field during his time at the Club,” said Taylor. “It’s impressive to note that during three seasons with the Club Adam didn’t miss a game through injury, sitting just one out through suspension.
“Adam played an important role in Wests Tigers’ leadership group and we wish him the best of luck for the 2015 season and beyond,” he said.
Taylor also confirmed there are no big names in the mix to be signed for the Tigers.
“By releasing Adam and a couple of other players recently we have had some relief in the salary cap,” said Taylor.
“But I need to make it clear this doesn’t mean that we’re going to be signing up players between now and the start of the 2015 season.”
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