While the early exit of Addin Fonua-Blake remains the elephant in the NZ Warriors clubrooms, coach Andrew Webster insists his star front-rower seems more intent than ever to take his team to the next level in 2024.

The Dally M Prop of the Year sent shock waves through the club’s fanbase over the off-season, when he requested an early release from his contract, due to expire in 2026, to return to Sydney on compassionate grounds.

In the interests of compromise, Fonua-Blake has committed to at least one more season at Mt Smart, while the Warriors bargain for the best return on their investment, when he leaves.

Sydney clubs are already queuing for his services, with St George Dragons emerging as the favourites, but they must also provide a suitable replacement on the Warriors roster.

Fonua-Blake, 28, has been instrumental to the Warriors’ dramatic improvement over the past 12 months, with Webster rating him the best of his position in the game. News of his departure must be tearing at the heart of a coach desperately trying to elevate his team to an NRL Grand Final – an perhaps beyond.

If it is, Webster’s not showing it.

“Whilst he’s not at training, I’ve had heaps of conversations with Addin and I see nothing but focus,” he said. “If anything, I see him more focused on wanting to leave here on a good note.

“You’ve got to understand, you’ve got a player who’s not leaving because he doesn’t like it here – the football environment – he actually loves it.