Lawton extends contract with Warriors

Karl Lawton has signed a two-year contract extension with the New Zealand Warriors, to keep him at the club until the end of the 2021 season.

The 23-year-old will play his 13th game for the club this Sunday against Penrith.

The hooker joined the club from the Gold Coast Titans in March of last year.

“We’re delighted to secure Karl for another two years,” Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith told the club's website.

“The coaching staff are really impressed with him on all levels on and off the field with the energy he brings to all he does.

“Karl had a delayed start to the season but he is certainly making up for it.”

Lawton only played once in the first eight rounds of the season, however, returned to form in round nine against St George Illawarra.

He has featured for the Warriors ever since, starting in the June 14 game against the Titans.