The Wests Tigers have continued to build depth into the 2026 NRL squad by signing outside back Patrick Herbert on a two-year deal.
And with an eye to the future, they have also given two year contract extensions to Alex Twal, pictured above, and Sione Fainu.
Herbert joins Benji Marshall’s squad following a successful train-and-trial period during the 2026 pre-season.
He has amassed 59 first grade appearances for the New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast Titans, and without a doubt will further depth and experience to the club’s outside backs stocks for the next two seasons.
The former Māori All Star has spent the last two seasons in the Illawarra Rugby League competition and is now ready for a return to the NRL following a challenging run of injuries.
Herbert started at centre in the Tigers 42-26 pre-season challenge victory over the Sydney Roosters.
He says he’s excited to make his return to the NRL.
“I’m just really grateful to Benji and the club for giving me an opportunity,” Herbert said.
“Having time away from footy has given me a great perspective on how special it is to get another crack at the NRL. My body is in a great place, and I’ve been able to grow off the field, which has really helped me during pre-season.
“I’m loving life here at the Tigers and playing with these boys, it’s a great environment and you can really feel what we’re building here.
“All I want to do now is repay the faith Benji and the boys have shown in me and contribute to the team however I’m needed.”
Benji Marshall welcomed Herbert to the club.
“Patrick came to the club on a train and trial deal looking for an opportunity; he impressed the group during the preseason with his professionalism, attitude and character,” Marshall said.
The Tigers won’t play their first 2026 NRL match until round two when they host the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, March 14.
In the meantime they have been busy off the field, revealing that gun forward Sione Fainu has signed a contract extension, keeping him at Wests Tigers until the end of the 2029 NRL season.
Fainu, 24, has put pen-to-paper on an extension to secure his future as a Tiger, which will see him continue to play alongside brothers, Samuela and Latu.
Also signing on for two more years was cult forward Alex Twal, 29.
It means that all things being equal he will also be a Tiger until the end of the 2029 NRL season.