Tohu Harris in huge re-signing boost for Warriors amid Addin Fonua-Blake saga
The Warriors have been handed a big boost ahead of the 2024 season.
The Warriors have announced the re-signing of captain Tohu Harris in a huge announcement amid the speculation surrounding a pending Addin Fonua-Blake exit. Harris helped rejuvenate the Warriors in 2023 having led them to their first preliminary finals appearance since 2011.
Harris also enjoyed a great season having been nominated for the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. And in huge news for the club, the Warriors have announced Harris will remain at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
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“It’s tremendous for us knowing we’ll have Tohu for another season,” New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment Andrew McFadden said in a statement. “He has been so critical in helping us to where we are today, a job he started in the tough times away from home in Australia.
“I’m a huge fan of Tohu’s. He’s an unbelievable player and person who means so much to our club. Without him and his leadership on and off the field we certainly wouldn’t be where we are right now."
Coach Andrew Webster recently also signed until 2028. And he was thrilled he would have their captain locked in for another few seasons as he is set to play his seventh season with the club.
“When I first talked to him before returning here I was so impressed by his passion and what he wants for the club. He proved that throughout the last season and now he has the opportunity to take the team further as we seek more improvement," Webster said. Fans were thrilled with the re-signing as the Warriors look to build on the success of the 2023 season.
Captain Tohu Harris has re-signed with the Warriors until 2025. @NewshubSport @NewshubNZ
— Alex Chapman (@AlexChapmanNZ) December 4, 2023
Good for those youngsters coming through to be around him and his professional manner, and if his body holds up an asset on field
— Mr (@mau_a_) December 4, 2023
Great player
— Jake G (@JakeWarrior68) December 4, 2023
Addin Fonua-Blake drama continues at Warriors
While Harris has been locked in, and Kurt Capewell could be joining the Warriors, the club is dealing with the prospect of Fonua-Blake leaving at the end of 2024. Fonua-Blake had originally requested an immediate release from the Warriors to return to Sydney for family reasons but has since agreed to finish the 2024 NRL season with the club before moving on.
The Wests Tigers were reportedly favourites to get Fonua-Blake. However, Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould met with the forward as it appears the club are also entering the race.
And recently Gould voiced his interest in the star, despite telling SEN he won't come cheap. "Yeah Addin's a quality player, I have a lot of time for Addin," Gould said. "I spent a little bit of time at the Warriors during COVID as a consultant and got to see Addin first-hand, he's a quality player.
"He's not cheap though and I'd imagine there'd be a lot of interest in Addin. He's got to return home to Australia for family reasons which he's working through with the Warriors ... there'll be a lot of people lining up for his signature that's for sure."
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