LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In the pursuit of Addin Fonua-Blake, new St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is eager to reach a decision before Christmas, hoping to secure the signature of the highly sought-after forward.
After indicating his desire to return to Sydney in 2024, the Warriors prop has become the most sought-after player in the NRL open market.
The Dragons seem to be in the prime position to secure the prop, who was recognized as one of the best players in the 2023 Dally M Team of the Year.
Their offer of $4.5 million over four years has been reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Dragons' hopes to sign Fonua-Blake received a significant boost when the Wests Tigers withdrew from the race for his signature.
The Tigers recently agreed to a massive $6 million deal with Jarome Luai from Penrith, leaving them with limited salary cap capacity to match the $1 million-plus per season deal Fonua-Blake is seeking.
Meanwhile, the Canterbury Bulldogs, another club initially interested in the prop, are unlikely to extend an offer as they focus on their rebuild under coach Cameron Ciraldo.
As it stands, the Cronulla Sharks appear to be the only other realistic option for Fonua-Blake, apart from the Dragons.