Id love for this to happen. AFB is one of the best props in the game if not the best I love watching his work. Do I have faith we can land him? No
@04 Dreaming AFB is one of the better props in the game and after missing out on Leinu, Hass, Tino, Sele, Keppie, not even attempting to go for Flegler, butchering up Twal, not being able to snare either Saifiti and not even in the frame for Rudolf it will be a great addition. No doubt.
There's still a fair way to go. The Warriors granted permission to have meetings. They still haven't officially granted the release and the terms of the release. It remains to be seen if the Warriors will have a say in where Fonua-Blake lands or if they want compensation in the form of a player swap. Still a fair bit to play out in this.
Warriors did put conditions on Walsh hoping they reduce his earning capacity. They made sure they signed a suitable replacement first. The Broncos returned a player they wanted back. They probably knew RTS would be return back to the Warriors. The Warriors ticked boxes.
He also has form in asking for compassion releases. So there will be caution. It might see clubs back away it won't bother us.
Managers also want deals for their clients. We give you him if you take him kind of stuff. I had at look at Tyran Smith's clients. One is a current Canterbury player who won't be retained either before or after 2024. This is where Flanagan kind of holds an advantage. Flanagan is in a position to take on a token player as soon as 2024 and longer as they have roster space.
So far AFB has met with three people that we know of Gould (photos taken), Marshall and Flanagan. Anyone else we don't know about. When the Warriors say free to sign with these clubs and on what terms remain to be seen.
I just ask people. Read the fine print in all this stuff not the headlines. Study the Warriors history in releases.
