Addin Fonua-Blake Sets His Sights Firmly on NSW Blues Jersey
The imposing presence of Cronulla Sharks’ enforcer, Addin Fonua-Blake, is a familiar sight on the rugby league field. What many may not realise is that this Tongan representative forward’s journey began in Queensland, spending his formative first five years in Brisbane. However, his allegiances have firmly shifted south, and with the recent changes to NRL eligibility rules, Fonua-Blake is more determined than ever to pull on the coveted New South Wales Blues jersey this season.
In a candid conversation, Fonua-Blake has unequivocally declared his intention to represent the Blues, making it clear that a move to play for the Queensland Maroons is not on his radar. “I’m 100 per cent NSW,” he stated with unwavering conviction. His early rugby league experiences, though brief in Queensland, laid the groundwork for his passion. “I played one year (of rugby league) with the local team, Logan Brothers, and then we came down here to (Meadowbank, Sydney).”
His formative years watching the game were inspired by some of the sport’s biggest names. “I loved when T-Rex (Tony Williams) was on, obviously when Andrew (Fifita) used to come on, there’s a few players that I used to love. It was a pretty sad time there for a while,” he reminisced, reflecting on periods in the game that captured his imagination. The allure of the State of Origin series is undeniable, and Fonua-Blake recognises its significance. “Big rivalries like that (Origin), it’s something in sport people love and to be a part of it would be a great feeling.”
Last season, Fonua-Blake openly expressed his admiration and perhaps a touch of envy for players who have had the opportunity to compete in the State of Origin arena. While he understands that selection is earned through consistent hard work and exceptional performance, he is clearly enthusiastic about the prospect of potentially forming a formidable front-row partnership for the Blues with the emerging Brisbane Broncos superstar, Payne Haas.
“While I’m available now, I still haven’t made the team, I’m still going to have to work hard and try and get a look in,” Fonua-Blake acknowledged, demonstrating his realistic approach to selection. He holds Haas in the highest regard, describing him as a player of immense potential. “Payne’s a generational talent. No doubt when he’s finished up, he’ll probably be an immortal of the game.”
The thought of sharing the same defensive line as Haas is an exciting one for Fonua-Blake. “To have the chance to play alongside him, that’s something that would be pretty special,” he admitted. Such a pairing would undoubtedly strike fear into opposition teams and provide a significant boost to the NSW Blues’ chances of success. Fonua-Blake’s eagerness to learn from and collaborate with Haas is evident, as he added, “I’ll be taking notes off him if I ever get that chance.”
Key Factors Driving Fonua-Blake’s Blues Ambition
Several factors have converged to fuel Addin Fonua-Blake’s strong desire to represent New South Wales:
- Early Life Connections: Despite being born in Queensland, his formative years in Sydney and his subsequent rugby league career have been deeply rooted in NSW.
- NRL Eligibility Rule Changes: Recent adjustments to the NRL’s eligibility criteria have opened the door for players like Fonua-Blake to officially declare their allegiance to a state, a significant development for his ambitions.
- Inspiration from Origin: The intense and iconic nature of the State of Origin series has always captivated him, and he sees it as the pinnacle of domestic rugby league.
- Potential Partnership with Payne Haas: The prospect of playing alongside a generational talent like Payne Haas is a major drawcard, offering both an on-field advantage and a learning opportunity.
- Commitment to Earning Selection: Fonua-Blake understands that his place in the Blues squad is not guaranteed and is committed to putting in the necessary work to impress selectors and earn his spot.
Fonua-Blake’s declaration is a clear signal to the NSW selectors and a warning to rival teams. His power, resilience, and burgeoning leadership qualities make him a compelling candidate for the Blues jersey, and his focus on representing the sky blue is unwavering.
