Still young but a very big bopper, Addin Fonua-Blake has been rewarded for good form putting pen to paper on a contract extension for the 2018 season.
With his first full season in the NRL in 2016 a success, he went on to play 14 games across and was selected in the New Zealand Kiwis train-on squad recently.
From the club’s perspective, retaining Fonua-Blake is just desserts and coach Trent Barrett believes he will become a crucial part of the Manly forward pack moving forward.
“The contract extension is a good reward for Addin. He still has a lot of hard work to do, but we were happy to extend his deal,” Barrett said.
“Addin is a big skilful player who gives us plenty of muscle up front. He is doing really well and we are pleased to have him with us.”
As for the man himself, he is enjoying his time at the club and wants to get fitter, stronger and better ahead of the 2017 season.
“I am really enjoying playing at Manly. The extension gives me a chance to further develop my game by working with experienced forwards like Martin Taupau and Nate Myles,”Fonua-Blake said.
“My goal over this pre-season is to get fitter and stronger, so I can really hit the ground running in round one against Parramatta at Brookvale Oval.
I want to be in the team for our first Sunday home game of the season.”
He also wants consistency in his game and is grateful for the support he has received from the club and its fans.
“I also want to be more consistent. You can’t put in a 100 per cent effort one game, then 50 per cent the next. It shows on the field,” he added.
“I owe it to the club, the Manly Members, my family, but most of all, I owe it to myself to continue to grow as a player.”