Warriors' Blair switch project

[Super Freak]

Adam Blair set to leave Broncos for Warriors in a $2.4 million deal

September 13, 2017

STEVE Kearney has got his man with the Warriors securing Kiwi Test enforcer Adam Blair in a $2.4 million recruitment coup that has ripped the heart out of Brisbane’s front row.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is resigned to losing Blair, who is keeping his playing future a closely-guarded secret as he prepares for Friday night’s sudden-death final against the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.

Blair is reluctant to destabilise his teammates by discussing his personal contract situation at such a critical stage of the season, but the Broncos have lost the battle and expect to see him in Warriors colours in 2018.

The Warriors are confident of formalising Blair’s signing when the curtain comes down on the Broncos’ season.

Newcastle and the Dragons had expressed interest in Blair but both have since dropped out of the race — another sign the 31-year-old will head to New Zealand, the country in which he was born.

Brisbane will not go to the open market in search of Blair’s replacement. Bennett remains hopeful of convincing boom prop Matt Lodge to shelve retirement plans, while Josh McGuire is set to return to the engine room to accommodate Sharks import Jack Bird at lock.

Underlining his team-first ethos, Blair considered shunning the Warriors’ massive offer and staying loyal, but the Broncos have told him he would be foolish to sacrifice $1.8 million.

“What I’m doing is not going to affect the way we perform,” Blair said. “Everyone understands that we can’t keep everyone at this club.

“I’m at the age where I have to do the right thing by myself and my family and the Broncos.

“If I was single and by myself, I would have made a decision by now because you don’t have to worry about anyone else, but I have a lot of people to think about when it comes to making a decision.

“It’s hard for me because whatever I do, it’s my last contract. When you look at things, you can see the end ... that’s the hardest thing because I still feel like I am playing some quality football.”

The Broncos have gone back to the future in a bid to break their 11-year title drought.

Blair and Sam Thaiday were Brisbane’s starting front-row when the Broncos charged to the 2015 grand final and now the pair have been reunited upfront to keep their title dream alive against the Panthers.

“I enjoy playing with Sammy,” he said. “He’s got a lot of skill. I enjoy playing with him.

“He brings back a lot of confidence from having those combinations from when we did play together (in the 2015 grand final).

“He’s a competitor and does things some people don’t do as front-rowers.”

Thaiday is adamant he and Blair can set the platform for a Broncos title assault.

“We have the depth to go all the way,” he said. “We’re almost back to the pack we had in 2015 where myself and Blair were the starting front row.

“Andrew McCullough is a big loss but we have the forward pack to lay the platform in these big finals games.”

Source: Courier Mail

 

[Sproj]

So the most important thing is that article says Bird at lock, is there inside info on that are pure guess work?

 

[Super Freak]

Brisbane will not go to the open market in search of Blair’s replacement.

This is concerning.

We are losing a lot of experience in the front row, and we've also lost experienced backups. The young guys all have big wraps and can probably step up and make an impact to start off with, but they won't be able to maintain that over the course of the season. It won't be long until they start to burn out and their impact starts to reduce due to not being used to the weekly grind of the NRL.

What if we get injuries, as well?

 

[Big Pete]

The journos keep mentioning this fire sale that's supposed to be happening at the end of the season, don't be surprised if the Broncos bolster their roster with a couple of up and coming forwards who are further along in their development and looking for an opportunity.

 

[Mitchell_Broncos]

I'm sick of seeing 'Set' I just want it to be official or not

 

[Super Freak]

I'm sick of seeing 'Set' I just want it to be official or not

When these articles come out, it's because it's happening.

I'm yet to see an article like it where what is said doesn't pan out.

 

[Mitchell_Broncos]

So does this mean Lodge will take his place at any chance?

 

[Jason Simmons]

So does this mean Lodge will take his place at any chance?

I would hazard a guess Lodge will be getting Blair's money at the very least...

I can't imagine what else would have purportedly made him change his mind on declaring bankruptcy and living cash in hand...

 

[theshed]

Great title

 

[Mitchell_Broncos]

It's official as well this has F****D my night up , he's one of my favourite players well 'Was' now.

 

[Foordy]

We are losing a lot of experience in the front row, and we've also lost experienced backups

who needs experience ... many people around here are happy to lose experience players to ensure some rookie player who has barely been tested in the big leagues stays ... experience is meaningless apparently

 

[Battler]

who needs experience ... many people around here are happy to lose experience players to ensure some rookie player who has barely been tested in the big leagues stays ... experience is meaningless apparently

What can we do though? His reported contract is absolutely ridiculous for a bloke of his age. It's not like he's been in red hot form for us this year either.

 

[Accept]

He has had some good moments in Brisbane and he was a major part of the engine room. But his departure doesn't concern me in the slightest.

 

[Sproj]

who needs experience ... many people around here are happy to lose experience players to ensure some rookie player who has barely been tested in the big leagues stays ... experience is meaningless apparently

I really feel that this is getting blown out of proportion. Sure, @Kyall wants to purely play rookies (17 Mogas if he could) but most of us saying we want the rookies to be retained and given opportunities is all too often misconstrued as meaning we think experience is meaningless or that we are suggesting throwing millions at rookies. This interpretation of our words is being taken to extremes because sensationalism is more fun than real meaning I guess?

 

[Kimlo]

Realistically, it's a good age for him to move on and get a good deal. His best years are probably behind him, he may have 1 more good year, possibly two. Works out well for both parties. I love Blair, and wish him all the best, could never fault his effort or commitment on the field and I'm glad he's getting a big pay day to round out his career.

 

[Wild Horse]

This is concerning.

We are losing a lot of experience in the front row, and we've also lost experienced backups. The young guys all have big wraps and can probably step up and make an impact to start off with, but they won't be able to maintain that over the course of the season. It won't be long until they start to burn out and their impact starts to reduce due to not being used to the weekly grind of the NRL.

What if we get injuries, as well?

Could't agree more..

WTF?... Can we get some decent forwards at this club please... Big boppers at that thanks. Sick of this lack of depth, fragile, mobile forward bullshit we're trying to pull off... Bring on the Glenn Lazarus type of signing asap.

rant over.

 

[jarro65]

So the most important thing is that article says Bird at lock, is there inside info on that are pure guess work?

Quite possibly the journo has been reading BHQ

 

[Mitchell_Broncos]

And if you do get every time he smashed JT when we versed the cowboys haha