NRL: Storm plan to keep Blair dashes Warriors' hopes

Adam Blair's contract runs until the end of next year. Photo /APN

The Warriors are resigned to missing out on Adam Blair after learning the Melbourne Storm have no plans to release the coveted Kiwis forward from his contract.

Blair is contracted by the Storm until the end of next year but his name has been widely circulated as a player who may go on the market when the Storm look to dump players to fit under the salary cap next season.

But the Herald understands Blair won't be released because he is on a relatively low-priced contract. The Storm instead plan to release higher-earning players.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah wouldn't comment on specifics but the club is said to have been lining up a huge offer for Blair.

"He is the type of player we'd be interested in, particularly with his Kiwi connections, but I can't confirm that there have been any firm offers or negotiations," Scurrah said.

Blair was the top target on the Warriors' wish list but the club is now likely to set its sights on Blair's team-mate Brett White.

The chances of Steve Matai replacing departing centre Brent Tate have also decreased, with Manly chief executive Graham Lowe insisting his club is keen to keep the Kiwis centre.

The Herald understands Matai had been told by Manly he would not be offered a contract extension but the club has since changed its position after Trent Hodkinson's switch to Canterbury and Josh Perry's pending switch to Superleague.

The $100,000 increase in the salary cap for next season will also help Manly's attempts to keep Matai.

The Warriors, who have tendered a two-year offer for the 25-year-old hitman, are due to meet with his agent, Gavin Orr, tomorrow.