Set for Blair switch project
STEVE Kearney has got his man. The Warriors have secured 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 tomorrow’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 the land of his birth, New Zealand.
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 up front.
“I enjoy playing with Sammy,” Blair 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.