Panthers Head Coach Has Been Issue A….
Ben Trbojevic, a back-row player for the Sea Eagles, has signed a three-year contract extension that will run through the end of the 2027 campaign.
Having come through the Sea Eagles Pathways Program, the 22-year-old has played 26 games for Manly since making his debut in 2021.
Trbojevic is aiming for a starting position in 2024, according to Manly coach Anthony Seibold, after capping 12 first-grade appearances the previous season.
“Ben has advanced more already in this preseason. As it is, he is advocating for a starting position, according to Seibold.
In addition to recognizing Ben’s growth, we also hope to honor his potential for the following three years.
“By giving Ben an additional three years, it indicates that we have got
guys like him, Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakauátu, Taniela Paseka, Josh Schuster, as well as Jake and Tom Trbojevic, all here for the next period of time.”
Billy Smith, a strike center, will be with the Tricolours until at least the end of 2027 according to a new three-year contract that the Roosters have extended for him.
After making his debut in 2019, the 24-year-old Bondi youngster experienced multiple injuries. However, in 2023, he had a tremendous season, playing in 15 games and scoring four tries.
Coach Trent Robinson stated, “This extension is a testament to the hard work Billy puts in every day.”
“He is eastern suburbs through and through, and no one can ever question his dedication to the team, or his resilience, so it’s great to have Billy locked in for another three years.”
Christian Tuipulotu, a winger with the Sea Eagles, has signed a two-year contract with the Dragons, effective immediately.
The 22-year-old’s contract with Manly expired at the end of 2025, but after four seasons with the team—during which he scored 14 tries in 33 NRL games and made his Test debut for Tonga in 2022—he was allowed to leave.
Coach Shane Flanagan stated Tuipulotu will provide the Dragons further depth in the backfield when 2024 recruit Corey Allan had an ACL tear during training in early January, dealing the team a severe blow.
“Christian will be a great addition to the team. He’s a big guy who can add some strike out of the backfield,” Flanagan stated.
“We have some good outside backs coming through at the Dragons, but it was important for us to add some NRL experience to the backline for this year after we lost Corey Allan for the season.”
English forward Thomas Burgess has signed a three-year Super League contract with Huddersfield and will return home at the end of the current campaign.
Burgess, who has played 225 NRL games since making his NRL debut against the Parramatta Eels in 2013, is expected to become the second-most-capped player for the Rabbitohs this season.
The 31-year-old has played 33 games and won a premiership with South Sydney in 2014.
According to Flanagan, “Christian is a big guy who can add some strike out of the backfield and will be a valuable addition to the club.”
“We have some excellent outside backs emerging for the Dragons, but it was crucial for us to add some NRL experience to the backline for this season after losing Corey Allan for the entire campaign.”
After agreeing to a three-year Super League contract with Huddersfield, England forward Thomas Burgess will return home at the end of the current campaign.
Burgess, who made his NRL debut against the Parramatta Eels in 2013, is expected to finish this season as the second-most-capped player for the Rabbitohs.
In addition to playing 33 games, the 31-year-old won a premiership with South Sydney in 2014.
In order for Faitala-Mariner to take advantage of the opportunity with the Dragons, who have signed him for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Canterbury-Bankstown decided to grant him a release.
The 30-year-old, who has played in four Test matches for Toa Samoa and New Zealand, and 114 games of first-grade experience over ten seasons, joins the Red V with immediate effect.
It happens after the Dragons signed playmaker Jesse Marschke for the 2024 campaign, bolstering their depth in the halves.
Official NRL rosters for 2024
The NRL Telstra Premiership 2024 rosters have been updated and are listed below. The complete list includes contract durations along with player, club, and mutual options.
Bronson Xerri (return from ban), Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Drew Hutchison (Roosters), Kurt Mann (Knights), Jake Turpin (Roosters), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins).
Jake Averillo (Dolphins), Tevita Pangai Junior (retired), Kyle Flanagan (Dragons), Paul Alamoti (Panthers), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs NSW Cup), Declan Casey (Wests Tigers, train and trial), Michael Gabrael (Sharks), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Dragons), Zac Montgomery (released – player request).
