Addin Fonua-Blake Praises Samuela Fainu’s Rise in the NRL
Addin Fonua-Blake, a passionate supporter of Samuela Fainu, has praised the Wests Tigers back-rower for becoming one of the most formidable forwards in the National Rugby League (NRL). The Cronulla Sharks prop, who is set to face the Tigers on Sunday, shares a close friendship with Fainu through his older brother Manase. The pair previously played together before Manase was imprisoned in 2022.
The Tigers have always had high hopes for Manase’s younger brothers—Samuela, Latu, and Sione—who are all set to face the Sharks. While Samuela, aged 22, has taken a slower path to success, Fonua-Blake believes the player is finally realizing his potential as one of the competition’s most dangerous edge forwards after 56 games in the NRL.
“I played with Samuela’s older brother and he was always at my house hanging out and playing ping pong,” Fonua-Blake said. “I’ve known him for a long time and I’m proud of him, Sione and Latu. Watching those guys grow up and make it to the big stage, they’re not just happy to be there—they’re taking it that step further.”
Fonua-Blake also highlighted Samuela’s confidence and self-assurance. “I feel like Samuela is probably one of the in-form back-rowers in the comp. He’s comfortable in his own skin and not worried about what other people think of him or anything like that. He’s content with what he’s doing.”
There is a strong possibility that Fonua-Blake could team up with Samuela Fainu for Tonga at the upcoming World Cup. Although Fainu has yet to play Test rugby league, his two tries and three try assists in the Tigers’ 5-2 start have certainly caught the attention of Tongan coach Kristian Woolf.
“A few boys like myself are getting a bit older, and my time to bow out might come soon, but at least we can say that the nation’s in good hands,” Fonua-Blake said.
The 30-year-old Sharks prop is eager for his team (3-4) to bounce back and regain their defensive strength against a Tigers side missing key players Jahream Bula and Api Koroisau. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has emphasized the need for his team to improve their attitude after conceding 80 points in their last two matches against the Sydney Roosters and North Queensland.
“A few of us sort of limped into that (Cowboys) game thinking we’ve got a good team on paper and that it’s just going to happen for us,” Fonua-Blake said. “It’s definitely a little attitude check, and we need to rectify it this weekend. If we keep going the way we are, then finals footy is going to get out of our grasp.”
