Blair brings touch of polish to Pride back-row
NORTHERN Pride have added the last piece to what they hope is an Intrust Super Cup-winning puzzle in the form of former NRL and Super League star Maurice Blair.
The 34-year-old, better known as “Bobby”, is back in Australia after four years with Super League club Hull KR. Pride football manager Chey Bird told the Post Blair would bring much-needed experience and leadership to what is a young roster.
“We were in the market for a back-rower, we wanted that NRL-quality player to bring experience and guidance to what is a young squad,” Bird said. “His role will be to shore up that edge position for us.
“He’s a proven performer at the highest level, and is a versatile player who brings ballplaying ability to what is an attacking squad.”
Blair made his NRL debut for Penrith in 2007, playing 48 games before three seasons at Melbourne.
His 2014 campaign at the Gold Coast Titans would be his last in the NRL, before he moved to Hull KR.
He played 117 games for the Robins, including the 2015 Challenge Cup final, and in 2016 was voted the club’s player of the year.
Bird said Blair, a utility who is just as much at home in the halves and centres as he is the back row, knocked back offers from other Intrust Super Cup clubs to sign with the Pride on a one-year deal.
Blair’s signature finalises the Pride’s squad for their upcoming campaign, which will start at Barlow Park against the Redcliffe Dolphins on Saturday, March 9.