Fonua Pole has signed a contract extension with Wests Tigers, keeping him at the club until the end of 2025.
The 20-year-old prop had previously signed a deal through to 2024 with the team in February this year.
Pole's 12-month extension comes after he impressed despite the Tigers having a disappointing 2022 season.
He made his debut this year in Round 16 against the New Zealand Warriors before going on to make ten consecutive appearances.
MORE: The biggest winners from RLWC 2021 | Michael Maguire questioned after New Zealand's heartbreaking loss
The Wellington-born youngster won the club's Rookie of the Year award off the back of his performances where he averaged 25 tackles per game.
Whilst he is yet to score his first try, his physicality in attack was an asset for the Tigers during the back end of 2022.
Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall will take the reins next year at Leichhardt, and Pole is excited to see what the team can do.
“I was stoked to play first grade last season, it was like a dream come true,” Pole said.
“It’s a really young squad and I think we’ve got some exciting times ahead of us, starting now.”
MORE: Get summer sport ready with up to 50% off this Sizzling Summer sale at Barbeques Galore
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe also highlighted how Pole's development is a testament to the club's strong internal pathways system.
“Fonua has worked hard to get to where he is, and I’m delighted for him,” said Pascoe.
“He has progressed from our Balmain SG Ball team to Jersey Flegg, then NSW Cup and on to the NRL, so it’s a credit to Fonua and also shows that our pathways programs are working.”
