The emergence of players bursting with rugby league talent was an oasis of hope in the middle of another disappointing season for the Wests Tigers in 2024.
Reuben Porter and Solomona Faataape (pictured above) were among them, and not surprisingly, the club has rewarded them with contract extensions.
Both players have this week signed development contracts for the 2025 season after making their NRL debuts with Wests Tigers in 2024.
Porter and Faataape bring different experience levels to the club.
Faataape joined the club on a development contract from Queensland Cup team Brisbane Tigers, ahead of the 2024 season.
The 23-year-old centre scored six tries from 17 appearances in his first season in the NRL.
After playing eight seasons in reserve grade, Porter earned his first start in the NRL in Round 14 against the Dragons.
The 27-year-old forward made eight appearances in his first season in the top grade, six of which were in the starting side.
Porter caught the attention of footy experts who observed that he didn’t look out of place in an NRL side.
“Solomona and Reuben have both earned their place in our extended squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing their continued progress over the coming months,” says head coach Benji Marshall.
The club has also announced that Wests Magpies juniors Heath Mason and Will Craig both move onto development contracts as part of their progression plan at Wests Tigers.
Alex Lobb is also on a development contract, for the second year in a row, after joining the club last season.
The sixth development spot will be allocated to recently signed teenager, Heamasi Makasini.
That will happen when the exciting young centre turns 18 years of age in July next year.
Wests Tigers’ wider playing squad will begin pre-season training on Monday, November 4.
