It hasn’t been a great season for the Wests Tigers, but at least off the field there are plenty of signs that better times lie ahead.
One of the signs occurred yesterday when the club announced the signing of two NSW under 19 Origin players who had aroused quite a bit of interest when they became available to other clubs.
Brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu, both rising stars, have agreed to long-term deals with the Wests Tigers.
The brothers, who performed well for NSW in their Under 19s State of Origin victory last Thursday night, have signed four-year deals which will see them at the club through until at least the end of 2027.
Latu is an 18-year-old half who is yet to make his NRL debut, while 19 year old forward Samuela has played five games for Manly Sea Eagles this season, including his NRL debut against Wests Tigers in Round 8.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says the club is excited to have secured two of the game’s brightest young stars.
“This is terrific news for Wests Tigers,” Pascoe said.
“Latu and Samuela are both exceptional young talents and it’s tremendous that they will be with us for several years.
“I know both young men are excited about continuing their development as players under Tim (Sheens) and Benji (Marshall).
“We look forward to welcoming Latu and Samuela to the club at the end of this season.’’
Latu and Samuela will link up with older brother Sione, who joined Wests Tigers last season.
Wests Tigers play St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium on Thursday night before the club’s NRLW team makes its very first appearance against Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
