League: Adam Blair's reported signing good for budding locals

Adam Blair has reportedly signed with the New Zealand Warriors for next season on which could have a strong impact on young Northland rugby league players. Photo / Getty Images

Adam Blair's potential return to New Zealand could mean good things for young Northland league prospects.

The NZ Herald understands that the Whangarei-raised Kiwis captain has agreed terms with the Warriors, and will be part of their roster in 2018 and beyond.

If this comes to fruition it could have a big impact on budding young league players in Northland.

Rugby League Northland general manager Duane Fyfe said Blair's potential move to the Auckland-based club added more relevance to the game for young Northlanders.

"Adam moving home will make the NRL even more relevant for the younger school players, particularly the ones playing in the popular Adam Blair First XIII competition," he said.

"We can hopefully strike a stronger chord with the local players and could have Adam more visible up here."

Blair, who is a Whangarei Boys' High School alumni, is preparing for the first week of the NRL finals with the Brisbane Broncos.

The prop will likely captain the side with regular leader Darius Boyd absent because of a hamstring injury.

Fyfe said there was a good relationship already between the Warriors and RLN and hopefully Blair's reported signing could strengthen the link.

"We have a good relationship with the Warriors but that's more with the development grades. His availability is always subject to first grade and international commitments. We will be trying to utilise his presence for the benefit of the younger players," he said.

"We have been thinking along the lines of getting him up here when the rumours started a couple of weeks ago. We would love to see him up here."

Northland has a building presence within the NRL, showing the region's knack for developing young talent.

Elijah Taylor has just re-signed with the Wests Tigers while the Penrith Panthers have Northland trio Sam McKendry, James Fisher-Harris and Corey Harawira-Naera.

Blair is potentially joining fellow Whangarei-bred player Manaia Cherrington at the Warriors.

Fyfe said the amount of talent from the North on show in the NRL showed a great path for young players if that was their desire.

"The amount of players we have in the NRL now is great, it shows that it is attainable for younger players if that's their goal and they are willing to put the work in," he said.

"Blair coming to New Zealand would only benefit that."

The other signing the Warriors have reportedly made is that of Sharks centre Gerard Beale.