How quickly player movement can be in the world of the NRL! With the Wests Tigers confirming the release of forward Adam Blair, the Brisbane Broncos have announced that they have signed him.
Playing in 192 games in the NRL since 2006, Blair’s release from the Tigers opens up some salary cap space for them as the club and head coach thanked Blair for his services to the club.
“On behalf of Wests Tigers, I’d like to thank Adam for his effort and commitment both on and off the field during his time at the Club,†said Taylor.
“It’s impressive to note that during three seasons with the Club Adam didn’t miss a game through injury, sitting just one out through suspension.
“Adam played an important role in Wests Tigers’ Leadership Group and we wish him the best of luck for the 2015 season and beyond,†he said.
Despite his release, though, the Tigers are not about to rush into any hasty signings.
Instead, the club plan to utilise the pool of talented juniors in the ranks, many of which they believe can become NRL quality players.
“By releasing Adam and a couple of other players recently we have had some relief in the salary cap,†said Taylor. “But I need to make it clear this doesn’t mean that we’re going to be signing up players between now and the start of the 2015 season.
“We’re planning for long-term success here and any decisions regarding signing new players will be made with this in mind,†he said. “We have a great group of young players coming through the Wests Tigers system and from what I’ve seen of them so far I’m confident that they will develop into a strong group of NRL players.
As for the Broncos fans, they have been crying out for some forward depth after releasing a host of players in the off-season and they have their man.
Although Blair has had some periods of inconsistency in his career, particularly after leaving the Melbourne Storm, his 2014 season saw him rewarded with a chance to play for the New Zealand Kiwis at the recent Four Nations.
Still only 28 and with 30 Tests to his name, Blair is just the sort of signing the Broncos needed and the club are excited to have him on board for the next three seasons.
“Adam is a highly-experienced player,†said Broncos’ chief executive Paul White.
“He has enormous experience at both NRL and representative level, and will bring toughness and leadership to the Broncos’ squad.
“And at 111kg, he will also add some more size to our forwards stocks.
The bonus for the Broncos is the fact that Blair is still at an age where he can offer something yet is experienced enough to help lead the younger players around.
“He is a World Cup winner coming off a great Four Nations campaign where he was a major contributor to the New Zealand victory, and at age 28 has several seasons of great football ahead of him,” said White.
“We are excited about the role he can play for the Brisbane Broncos, and we welcome him and his family to the club.â€