Wests Tigers have fought off a last-ditch bid from the Penrith Panthers to re-sign underrated fullback Corey Thompson for a further two seasons.
Penrith reportedly tabled Thompson an enticing deal but the 29-year-old resisted the urge to switch teams, committing to the Tigers until the end of 2021.
Since returning to the NRL last year after two seasons in the UK Super League with Widnes, Thompson has become a favourite among Tigers supporters.
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The diminutive back's fearless style and consistency has seen him emerge as one of the club's most valued players.
Despite the interest from the Panthers, Thompson insisted he always hoped to stay at the Tigers.
With a new contract in his back pocket, he's determined to charge into the finals this year.
“It feels great to re-sign. It's a weight off my shoulders sort of thing and I can’t wait to be here for another two years,” Thompson said.
“I don’t want to go anywhere — I love playing at the Wests Tigers and to have my future sorted for another two years is really great for me.
“Now that my contract is sorted, I’m just concentrating on playing consistent first-grade and playing good footy for the club and help take Wests Tigers to the finals.
"It's really good. Me and my missus, we don't have to move again. She loves living in Sydney and she loves that I play for the Tigers. And for another two years, that's what I get to do."
Tigers coach Michael Maguire is glad to have locked down Thompson's services and praised his wholehearted approach to rugby league.
And he believes the former Bulldog will only get better in the seasons ahead.
“I’m very pleased to see Corey commit his future to Wests Tigers,” said Maguire.
“He works extremely hard and embodies the values by which we want to be known as a team and is exceptionally well liked by the playing group and coaching staff.
“Even with his experience, Corey is still improving and growing in his game as an outside back, and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to develop in the coming years."
Chief executive Justin Pascoe said it was imperative to keep Thompson at the club given his playing ability and upstanding behaviour as a representative of the Tigers.
“As a club, we’re delighted to secure Corey for a further two seasons,” said Pascoe.
“Corey plays with a tremendous attitude on the field but he also has an exceptional attitude off it as well and we’re very pleased to have someone of his character as part of our team.
“Ever since he joined Wests Tigers, Corey been extremely loved by our members and fans and we look forward to him continuing to play a vital role at this club in the years ahead.”
Capable of playing wing or fullback, Thompson has scored 14 tries in 33 appearances for the Tigers.