Wests Tigers have re-signed hooker Jacob Liddle on a two-year deal.
The contract extension will see the 24-year-old remain at Concord Oval until the end of the 2023 season.
"I’m really excited to be able to stay on with the club,” Liddle said.
“It’s been a bit of an up-and-down ride for myself personally, but I’ve loved being at Wests Tigers and really feel a part of what we’re building here.
“I’m determined now to make sure I continue to deliver my best footy each and every week and help bring success to the club, its Members and its fans.”
Liddle was Tigers coach Michael Maguire's first choice at hooker at the start of the season, and played the first five games of 2021 in the number nine jersey.
Despite scoring three tries in that time, the Wyong Roos junior had a three-week stint in reserve grade, with Jake Simpkin promoted to the NRL side.
Liddle forced his way back into the NRL side in round nine and has been there ever since.
"Jacob has had to work really hard over the past few years,” Maguire said.
"But he’s got himself now to a point where he has grown a lot as a footballer.
“He also knows where he wants to get to as a player and where he wants this club to be, and I’m looking forward to watching him continue to grow and achieve more in the years to come.”
The Tigers also announced that development player Kelma Tuilagi will move into the NRL squad for the start of the 2022 season on a one-year deal.
Tuilagi featured for the Junior Kiwis in 2018 when he was in Melbourne's system and has been a force in the New South Wales Cup this season.
“Kelma has settled really well into Wests Tigers and has certainly grown a lot already in his time with the club,” Maguire said.
“Being in the full-time NRL squad next season will only benefit his development and we’re looking forward to watching that progress in the years to come.”
The re-signings come as Bulldogs fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak moved to hose down speculation about a move to the Tigers.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Watene-Zelezniak has been approached by the Wests Tigers regarding an immediate switch of clubs despite being contracted at Belmore until the end of 2022.
But the 25-year-old took to Instagram to declare he has no plans to cut his time at the Bulldogs short.
“I’m signed until 2022,” Watene-Zelezniak wrote.
“We may not be winning games but I love it at the Bulldogs and the challenge that is ahead of us. The tougher the journey the better the outcome.”
Last weekend, the Tigers announced the signing of English international centre Oliver Gildart to a two year deal.
