SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Jake Simpkin of the Tigers is tackled during the round six NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Wests Tigers at Stadium Australia, on April 17, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

The Wests Tigers have locked in 19-year-old rising star Jake Simpkin until 2024, and are now looking to continue their signing run with English international Oliver Gildart on the radar.

Simpkin was already contracted until the end of the 2022 season, however after playing just two games the Tigers have jumped to lock him up until the end of 2024.

The Tigers are hopeful Simpkin will be their No.9 far into the future, after loaned player Harry Grant opted for a return to Melbourne.

“I couldn’t be happier to be here at the club,” Simpkin said, following the signing.

“I’m really enjoying and excited by what we’re building at Wests Tigers and I want to be part of that long-term.

Following the recent recruitment of Jackson Hastings the Tigers are continuing to target the English league for talent, with Gildart in their sights.

Now the attention has been turned to acquiring the 24-year-old centre, who has expressed interest in entering the NRL before.

Despite having rejected an offer from the Canterbury Bulldogs in the past, the Tigers are keen if he leaves the Wigan Warriors.

The Tigers will come up against St George Illawarra Dragons this Sunday in hope of claiming their second win of the season.