A Growing Friendship and Rising Stars
Addin Fonua-Blake, a prominent player for the Cronulla Sharks, has shown immense support for Samuela Fainu, a back-rower for the Wests Tigers. Fonua-Blake is not only a fan but also a friend of Fainu, having known him through his older brother Manase. The two have shared a close bond, with Fonua-Blake recalling their time playing together before Manase’s legal issues in 2022.
The Tigers have been closely watching the development of Manase’s younger brothers—Samuela, Latu, and Sione—with hopes that they will become standout players in the NRL. Among them, Samuela, who is 22 years old, has taken a bit longer to find his footing but is now showing signs of becoming one of the most formidable forwards in the competition.
Fonua-Blake praised Samuela’s progress, noting that after 56 games in the NRL, the young forward is starting to realize his potential. “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 being happy with being on the big stage, they’re taking it that step further.”
Confidence and Self-Belief
Fonua-Blake believes that Samuela is one of the most in-form back-rowers in the league. “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,” he added. This self-assurance is something that Fonua-Blake admires and sees as a key factor in Samuela’s success.
There is also a possibility that Fonua-Blake and Samuela could be teammates for Tonga at the upcoming World Cup. Although Fainu hasn’t yet played Test rugby league, his contributions to the Tigers’ early season performance, including two tries and three try assists, have drawn attention from Tongan coach Kristian Woolf.
Fonua-Blake, who is 30 years old, feels that while his time with the national team may be coming to an end, the future of Tongan rugby league looks bright with players like Samuela. “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,” he said.
Preparing for the Upcoming Match
As the Sharks prepare to face the Tigers, Fonua-Blake is eager to see his team bounce back from recent losses. The Sharks, currently sitting at 3-4, have struggled defensively, conceding 80 points over the last two weeks against the Sydney Roosters and North Queensland.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has emphasized the need for a change in attitude. “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 explained. “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.”
