The NRL’s premier best has a ‘gold nugget’ up his sleeve as he eyes off a major payday.
Named the Dally M Prop of the Year at Wednesday night’s awards at Sydney’ Randwick Race Course, exiting Warriors star Addin Fonua-Blake has put his ‘near-Las Vegas’ home on the market.
After four years based in Auckland with the New Zealand Warriors, Fonua-Blake is moving to the Cronulla Sharks in Sydney on a four-year deal ahead of the 2025 pre-season which begins in November.
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“Addin is a world class front rower and we are delighted to be adding him to our roster from 2025,” Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon said when the contract was announced in December last year.
“Throughout the negotiation process we have been impressed by his attitude, his genuine desire to help make the Sharks successful and to complement and work alongside both those in our leadership group and the young forwards we have coming through our system.”
Now almost a year later, AFB is moving his playing career, family and home to the Shire in Sydney’s south.
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And part of that move includes selling the family home of the last two years at 26 Bellagio Way, Flat Bush, Manukau City in Auckland’s south.
Fonua-Blake bought the five-bedroom, 3-bathroom home for NZ$1.46m ($1.33m) in August 2022.
It is likely to sell for a similar figure.
“We wanted 26 Bellagio Way to be our forever home. The plan was to re-sign with the Warriors and stay here as long as I could. But due to unforeseen circumstances we’ve got to move back to Australia,” he told NZ real estate site OneRoof.
“We’ve had a few dinners up on the roof terrace. It’s a good spot for barbecues when the sun’s out.”
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The home is being sold via agent Logan Swann, a fellow ex-Warriors player and New Zealand international.
“You’re invited to something unique,” the listing for the home reads.
“With a near Las Vegas level of showmanship and an unmistakeable presence among the pristine neighbouring homes, this is an offering that will bring some sparkle to spacious and robust family living.
“Split across three levels, with a generous floorplan and delivering a low maintenance lifestyle, as well as affordability, this is simply not to be missed for the family taking its next steps.
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“Ease, versatility and affordability, all with a distinct architectural flair – it seems you’ve found the golden nugget.”
Fonua-Blake played NRL games for the Warriors over his four seasons there. Cronulla will the 28-year-old’s third club after he played 97 games for Manly from 2016 to 2020.