Warriors’Harris and Fonua-Blake in hard-earned double

In the opening round of the 2024 NRL season, New Zealand Warriors’ middle forwards Tohu Harris and Addin Fonua-Blake showcased their prowess, earning a spot in the prestigious round one VB Hard-earned Team of the Week despite their team’s narrow 12-16 loss to Cronulla Sutherland.

Tohu Harris led the charge, captaining the team and finishing with an impressive 98 points on the index used to evaluate players’ performances. His dominance was evident as he topped all players on the field at Go Media Stadium in various aspects: recording the most runs (27) and the highest metres gained (237). Additionally, Harris contributed significantly with five line-engaged runs, 10 decoys, four supports, and an impressive defensive effort of 38 tackles with only one missed tackle.

Following closely behind, Addin Fonua-Blake, who had previously secured the second spot on the VB Hard-earned Index last season, amassed 87 points for his stellar performance. Fonua-Blake showcased his versatility and impact on the field, amassing 220 metres from 22 runs and completing 24 tackles without any misses. His attacking prowess was evident with six tackle breaks and two offloads, while also contributing with eight decoys, three supports, and five line-engaged runs. Remarkably, Fonua-Blake committed no errors and conceded no penalties throughout the game, further solidifying his contribution to the team’s efforts.

Despite the Warriors’ defeat, the standout performances of Harris and Fonua-Blake exemplified their skill and determination, earning them well-deserved recognition in the NRL’s round one Team of the Week.