Tigers prop secures contract extension

Wests Tigers prop Josh Aloiai has penned a new deal with the club, extending his playing contract until the end of the 2021 season.

The Glenora junior has featured in 67 matches for the Tigers since debuting at the start of the 2016 season, scoring six tries.

Aloiai has capped two games with Samoa's senior side after enjoying an early career with the Junior Kiwis.

Aloiai, 23, expressed his delight after striking a new deal with the Tigers.

“I’m really excited to announce that I’ve signed for two more years,” Aloiai told the club's website.

“There’s a couple of really strong reasons that have kept me at the club: one is Michael Maguire and the direction he’s taking the club, and two is the loyal fans that we have, and I cannot thank them enough for their love and support.

“Particularly this year, I feel I’ve grown a lot and am happy with the improvements I’ve been making. I want to keep doing that and I’m so happy that I can do that here at Wests Tigers.”

Maguire was thrilled to have secured the forward at Wests, with the Tigers coach expressing his excitement in Aloiai's future.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing Josh grow his game so far this year and I really look forward to working with him on the next part of his career at Wests Tigers,” Maguire said.

“As a group, we’ve developed some very strong values about where we’re going, and Josh is really growing as a leader in driving some of those things.

"He is incredibly well respected by all his coaches, teammates and staff at Wests Tigers and I know he will be a valuable asset for this club in the years ahead.”

Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe commented on Aloiai's contract extension, expressing his delight with the deal securing an important asset to the Tigers future.

“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to congratulate Josh on his new playing contract,” Pascoe said.

“Josh is one of the most impressive young men I have met in rugby league and continues to have a huge impact for Wests Tigers both on and off the field.