The Gold Coast Bulletin

BLAIR PUTS FOCUS ON FLAG WIN

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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, 31, yesterday revealed he had put his plans on hold in the hope of farewellin­g Brisbane with a fairytale premiershi­p.

The prop is contracted at the Broncos next year but he is expected to be released to take up a $1.8 million 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 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 their first premiershi­p since 2006.

“I’ve put it aside at the moment,” he said.

“There are more important things to make sure my focus is on footy. 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. I’ve enjoyed putting it on the backburner.

“It will get sorted, hopefully soon.”

Blair bounced back from a poor performanc­e against Parramatta to play a leading role in Brisbane’s derby win against the Cowboys last week.

 ?? Picture: GETTY IMAGES ?? Adam Blair at Brisbane Broncos training yesterday.
Picture: GETTY IMAGES Adam Blair at Brisbane Broncos training yesterday.

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