Wests Tigers rising star Solomone Saukuru has confirmed his future, locking up a new two-year extension with the joint-venture.
Saukuru first joined the Tigers in 2021 and has progressed through the club's pathways since, emerging as an NRL talent this year when he made his debut in Round 24.
He went on to play the final four games of the year in the top grade as coach Benji Marshall searched for answers, with the 21-year-old scoring four tries in those games.
“I'm excited to be staying here at Wests Tigers, a club that means so much to me," Saukuru said.
“To be able to come through the Wests Tigers Pathways system and then make my NRL debut for the club is something that I've always wanted to do.
“I'm really enjoying playing under Coach Benji Marshall and look forward to further developing my skills here.”
Saukuru was forced to bide his time waiting for an NRL debut, even as coach Benji Marshall chopped and changed his back five throughout the course of the season.
There is now a genuine question around whether Saukuru could feature more prominently next year, with the looming departure of Starford To'a, the seeming drop-off of Sunia Turuva, and the jury still being out on another young talent in Heamasi Makasini.
Marshall said the contract extension was well deserved.
“Sol is a very talented young player who has worked very hard to earn his opportunity,” Marshall said.
“He's still only at the beginning of his NRL career, so there's plenty of hard work ahead. We're looking forward to continuing to develop his game and helping him reach his potential.
“We're really pleased to have Sol and his family here with us for at least another two years.”
