The Wests Tigers have secured an enormous contract win, locking breakout second-rower Samuela Fainu down to the end of 2029.

Originally off-contract at the end of 2027 and able to negotiate with rivals from November 1, he has signed a two-year extension with the joint-venture.

Fainu was understood to be a player in the sights of the PNG Chiefs, with his market value rising at a rapid rate during an exceptional 2026 campaign prior to his injury.

Debuting back in 2023, Fainu has played 65 NRL games, and the 22-year-old has never looked out of place at NRL level.

Working through the middle third at the start of his career, Fainu has become a big-minute, big-production edge forward in recent times, and finished 2026 with exceptional numbers across the board.

"The club has looked after me, my family, and my brothers very well," Fainu said of his decision to re-sign.

"I love playing alongside these boys, so to get to do it for two more years makes me very excited about what's to come.

"Benji Marshall values family and, for me, that's one of the most important things in my life.

"He not only wants me to be the best footy player I can be, but he also wants me to be the best version of myself off the field, and that's something that you can't find in many places.

"Within the group, we have achieved so much already. You can see the changes we've made, and I truly feel we are building towards something very special here.

"As a player, I have learnt so much here and I know I still have more to learn, but I'm eager to lead and guide the younger boys next season."

Samuela is the second of the Fainu brothers to re-sign, with Sione also having done so. Latu is in negotiations over his future.

Coach Marshall said the club had big plans for Fainu.

“Samuela is a very big part of where we are going as a club," Marshall said.

“He is at the very beginning of his journey still but has already given us so much.

“I can't wait to see him continue to develop here over the next three years.

“We love him and his family and it's a pleasure to have them with us on this exciting journey."