Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that exciting young centre Tommy Talau has signed a new playing contract with the club.
The new deal will see Talau remain with the club until the end of the 2022 season.
Only 19 years of age, Talau made Wests Tigers history earlier this year when he became the first player born in the 2000’s to play first-grade for the club — making his debut against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Lottoland in Round 22.
A Moorebank Rams junior, Talau excelled at the junior representative level for New South Wales U/18 and Australian Schoolboys in 2018 before joining Wests Tigers at the start of the 2019 season. Originally signed on a Development contract, the talented outside back was quickly upgraded to the club’s NRL squad prior to the June 30 deadline with a bright future clearly ahead of him.
Talau said he was delighted to extend his contract with Wests Tigers.
“I’m really happy to be able to extend my time at the club,” Talau said.
“I’ve had an unreal experience so far — making my first-grade debut — and I’m really excited to continue my journey and see where 2020 takes this team.
“I think this club is really building a strong foundation and has helped me grow a lot so I’m looking forward to where things so for us in the next few years.”
Tommy has a natural talent that is really important to have in the squad and I have no doubt he will have a long career here.
Coach Michael Maguire
Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire said he was excited to see the teenage Talau take the next steps forward in his career with the club.
“I’m really pleased to see Tommy commit his future to Wests Tigers,” Maguire said.
“He clearly has a bright future in the game and has already grown so much since joining the club so we’re very excited to see him continue to move forward in his career.
“Tommy has a natural talent that is really important to have in the squad, and I have no doubt he will have a long career here if he continues to apply himself as he has so far.”
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe congratulated Talau on his new deal.
“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to say how pleasing it is to have secured a player with Tommy’s talent and potential for another two seasons,” Pascoe said.
“For a player of his age, Tommy is an outstanding and respectful young man in his actions and has already left a very positive impact on our Members and fans.
“We are delighted to see him commit to the future of Wests Tigers and I have no doubt he will play a big part in delivering the success the Members of this great club deserve.”
