Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake has been excluded from the upcoming Indigenous Round game against the Dolphins due to a violation of team protocols.
Warriors’ head coach Andrew Webster revealed that Fonua-Blake left the dressing room immediately after their narrow 22-20 victory over Penrith and missed both the team’s post-game debrief and the celebratory team song.
In a brief statement on the club’s website Webster that this behaviour does not align with the club’s expectations, and Fonua-Blake has acknowledged his misconduct.
Fonua-Blake played only 49 minutes in the Warriors’ 22-20 victory over the Panthers.
His absence has prompted Webster to consider lineup changes, with Tom Ale potentially moving to the interchange and Mitch Barnett taking over the prop position.
The Warriors are also set to reintegrate Marata Niukore into the starting lineup as a second-rower.
Fonua-Blake, a member of the 2023 Dally M Team of the Year, sought an early release from his contract and will join the Sharks for the 2024 season. To fill his vacancy, the Warriors have signed James Fisher-Harris from the Panthers for the upcoming season.
