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Injured Fonua-Blake out for extended stint

3 minute read

Star Warriors recruit Addin Fonua-Blake is seeing more knee specialists and the representative prop could miss a large chunk of the NRL season.

ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE.
ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Warriors recruit Addin Fonua-Blake will miss the clash with his former NRL club Manly and is out for an "extended time" with his knee injury worse than first thought.

The Warriors' marquee off-season signing limped off early in his team's loss to the Sydney Roosters and coach Nathan Brown said on Tuesday that scans confirmed the prop could be out for a large chunk of the season.

"We're still waiting for some more feedback from a couple of specialists but he's got a couple of problems and he certainly won't be playing for an extended period," Brown said on Wednesday ahead of their Friday night clash with the Sea Eagles at Central Coast Stadium.

"Whether that's for eight weeks or longer we're not too sure yet.

"He's got to get a couple of opinions off a couple more knee specialists but we're certainly not going to see him anytime soon."

Brown said the in-form Tonga international had more "damage" than initially diagnosed, which was a major blow for the club, who have two wins and two losses to start the season.

"There's no doubt any time a club loses a player of that quality and seniority it's going to have some effect on you," Brown said.

"But we've got a few middles coming back (from injury) so it will give them an opportunity to step up."

Leeson Ah Mau will start at prop and with Bunty Afoa out suspended, Tohu Harris will shift to the front row.

Ex-Parramatta prop Kane Evans has been named on the interchange to play his first match for the Warriors, and Brown expected big things.

"I expect Kane to play like Kane can play - he's played at some good footy clubs like the Roosters and Parra and has played some finals footy so he's got plenty of experience," Brown said.

"He's got his body in good shape and has had a couple of runs in the Q-Cup so he's physically ready to play so we want him to bring what he's good at."

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