League: Blair officially signs with Warriors

Whangarei's Adam Blair has signed with the New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

The NRL's worst kept secret has been officially revealed as Whangarei's Adam Blair signed a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.

Speculation had been rife regarding the 31-year-old's playing future after the Brisbane Broncos allowed him to chase a long-term deal elsewhere with the Newcastle Knights being a reported option.

But the lure of a return home for the Kiwis skipper proved too good to turn down.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the signing of the forward was a big step in the right direction for the embattled club.

"Securing Adam is critical to our quest for much-needed improvement from next year.

"He's a proven leader on and off the field who sets the kind of example we want all our players to aspire to, the epitome of the professional athlete who demands the highest of standards highlighted by an ultra-competitive attitude."

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney, who worked closely with Blair at the Kiwis, Melbourne Storm and Broncos, is excited to have the experienced player on board.

"Adam is a wonderful example of how a player should go about his business in the NRL as well as representing his country.

"He has had a tremendous career and he's going to be a huge asset for the club as we go about lifting our standards across the board."

Blair, who has played in 266 NRL games, is the fourth signing for the Warriors in an aggressive off-season as they look to improve on their woeful 13th place in 2017.

He will join new teammates Tohu Harris, Gerard Beale and Leivaha Pulu in the side for 2018.