Manly forward Addin Fonua-Blake has been granted permission to talk to rival NRL clubs about an exit from Sydney with two years left on his Sea Eagles contract.
Fonua-Blake has told Manly he wants to leave Sydney with his family, despite having two years left to run on his contract.
Manly confirmed on Wednesday they were open to releasing the 24-year-old, who is set to become one of the most in-demand forwards in the NRL.
But the Sea Eagles have said they will only release the forward if they receive compensation, likely from his next club.
“Addin is a senior and highly valued member of the Sea Eagles squad and would be a huge loss,” a Manly statement read.
“(However) out of respect to him and his circumstances, the club has today given its permission for the exploratory conversations to be conducted immediately.
“The club will look favourably upon a request to release Addin from the final two years of his contract on compassionate grounds as long as the Sea Eagles receive fair and reasonable compensation.
“The club has advised Addin and his manager that this matter needs to be resolved promptly so that all parties can confidently plan for the future.”
While the Tongan international landed himself in hot water earlier this year for offensive comments to a referee, he is one of the game’s best props.
He leads all front-rowers for metres per run in the NRL with more than 10, and his one-two combination with Martin Taupau is one of the best in the NRL.
The Sea Eagles front-row depth would also take a hit, having won just one of five games without him in the past two seasons.
DAVEC
Roar Rookie
warriors are interested in him
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
LMFAO Hard Yards
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Only if you’re in the surf or at the RSL.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Wasn’t AFB crowing to anyone who listened a couple of years ago that he was re-signing for unders because he loved the club and wanted to repay them, etc, etc ?
andrew
Roar Rookie
Probably
Tony
Roar Guru
Does he want a say in the CEO role as well?
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I thought Manly considered anything south of the spit bridge to be out of Sydney.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Broncos? Better ask Alex Glenn if the Broncos should sign him. He wants a say in who the next Broncos coach should be and probably wants a say in recruitment as well. Since when is that part of a players job description.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
He played in the 2011 Manly SG Ball side
Bearfax
Roar Guru
Most likely off to the Warriors. Bronco's outside chance. Doubt it will be anywhere else. Sea Eagles aren't likely to agree to any local teams.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The Warriors would be an ironic choice if it's about family and getting out of Sydney given the issues the Warriors will have again next season.
Nick
Roar Guru
Quite right. It was absolutely disgusting that they did
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Manly would have kept JWH if they could and he has been a big loss. Plenty of Manly players have done well in the last couple of years after leaving the club (which is a big change on previous years) but the real question to ask is if they are a big loss or not. Although Gutho has been great at the Eels I had mixed feelings when there was talk of bring him back. If he's not at fullback , he's in the centres or 5/8 and taking up a fair bit of the cap. You couldn't let Schuster go to keep Gutho. Gutho at the right price would be great but he's not at the right price for us I believe. Verills could be an exception but when you have Fainu and Api you pick them. I'm backing Fainu over Verills myself.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Keary?
andrew
Roar Rookie
Granted, but then again Saints should never have signed Russell Packer.
Rossi
Roar Rookie
It is according to Jason Saab...
Big Daddy
Guest
He could team up with McGuire and tell each stories.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Is the 'gong far enough out of Sydney? Surely he's looking at clubs more far afield if he wants out of Sydney.
Nick
Roar Guru
Hear hear Andrew.
Nick
Roar Guru
I support JdB being stood down And clearly would support him not being in the team if he's found guilty - although obviously that would be the least of his worries!