Sitili Tupouniua, Poasa Faamausili, Billy Smith: Sydney Roosters hand contract extensions to promising trio

James Pavey

Sitili Tupouniua, Poasa Faamausili, Billy Smith: Sydney Roosters hand contract extensions to promising trio image

The reigning premiers have locked in three young guns in a coup for the club.

On Sunday, the Roosters announced contract extensions for Sitili Tupouniua, Poasa Faamausili and Billy Smith.

Tupouniua has been a revelation for the Roosters in 2019, with the second-rower adding more attacking flair to an already entertaining side.

The 21-year-old made his debut for the Roosters last year against the Storm at Adelaide Oval, and made a first grade return when Sydney travelled to Melbourne in round six.

That day, Tupouniua engineered a golden point victory for the Roosters, breaking four tackles for the game and providing the razing run that ensured Latrell Mitchell got into enough of a position to seal the win.

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Tupouniua and 23-year-old Faamausili - who also made his debut last year - were members of the Roosters' 2016 National Youth Competition premiership-winning side. Also in that team were first grade incumbents Victor Radley, Joseph Manu and Nat Butcher.

Faamausili was also a member of the Roosters’ 2014 SG Ball title-winning side.

Young centre Smith is yet to make his NRL debut, but the 19-year-old has progressed through the club’s Jersey Flegg squad and is coming off an ACL reconstruction.

Tupouniua and Smith have both extended until the end of 2021, with Faamausili to the end of 2022.

"The club is my family, and I’m learning so much from Trent, the coaches and the senior players, so I’m really happy to have re-signed with the Roosters, and excited to keep working with the team here," Tupouniua said.

Sitili Tupouniua

"I've been with the Roosters since I was 17, and I love it here. We’re a tight group and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard to keep improving my game," Faamausili added.

Smith's time will come, and is excited to build on what he has already learned at the club.

"There are such strong mentors for me to learn from here at the Roosters, and I’m stoked that this is where I’ll continue my development," Smith said. 

"I love being a Rooster and this is where I want to build my career."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has overseen the careers of the trio, and handed two of them their NRL debuts, with Smith's around the corner.

"It's been great to watch the development of Sitili, Poasa and Billy over the years," Robinson said.

"In their own right, their work ethic precedes them, and they embody the values we want in our players both on and off the field, so it’s really pleasing that they will continue to represent our club and our area."


James Pavey

James Pavey Photo