Blair puts talks on hold to focus on semis
THE Warriors are closing in on Broncos enforcer Adam Blair, who has hit back at critics claiming he is a spent force in the NRL.
Blair yesterday revealed he had put his future plans on hold in the hope of farewelling Brisbane with a fairytale premiership.
The 31-year-old prop is contracted at the Broncos next year, but he is expected to be released to take up a lucrative offer from New Zealand and play until at least 2020.
Blair has been weighing up long-term bids from the Warriors, Dragons and Knights, but St George Illawarra’s acquisition of Bulldogs prop James Graham has likely closed that door.
Blair will captain the Broncos against the Sydney Roosters in Friday’s blockbuster semi-final at Allianz Stadium in the absence of Darius Boyd (hamstring).
And the front-row bruiser said he had put his future on hold to ensure his focus was on leading Brisbane to its first premiership since 2006.
“I’ve put it aside at the moment. There is more important things to make sure my focus is on footy,” he said.
“I want to play my part for the team and do everything I can. That means playing my best footy from now on in and not leaving any stone unturned.
“A couple of weeks ago I thought I’d put it (negotiations) aside. It’s been good. I’ve enjoyed putting it on the backburner.
“What will come will come. It will get sorted, hopefully soon.”
Blair and Sam Thaiday will start together in the front row against the Roosters, bringing together the combination that led Brisbane to the 2015 grand final.