Ben Trbojevic, a back-row player for the Sea Eagles, has signed a three-year contract extension that will run through the end of the 2027 campaign.
Having come through the Sea Eagles Pathways Programme, the 22-year-old has played 26 games for Manly since making his debut in 2021.
Trbojevic is aiming for a starting position in 2024, according to Manly coach Anthony Seibold, after capping 12 first-grade appearances the previous season.
“Ben has advanced more already in this preseason. As it is, he is advocating for a starting position, according to Seibold.
In addition to celebrating Ben’s growth, we also hope to honour his potential for the following three years.
“By extending Ben out for a further three years, it means we have got guys like him, Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakauátu, Taniela Paseka, Josh Schuster, as well as Jake and Tom Trbojevic, all here for the next period of time.”
Billy Smith, a strike centre, will be with the Tricolours until at least the end of 2027 thanks to a new three-year contract that the Roosters have extended for him.
After making his debut in 2019, the 24-year-old Bondi youngster experienced multiple injuries. However, in 2023, he had a tremendous season, playing in 15 games and scoring four tries.
Coach Trent Robinson stated, “This extension is a testament to the hard work Billy puts in every day.”
“He is eastern suburbs through and through, and no one can ever question his dedication to the team, or his resilience, so it’s great to have Billy locked in for another three years.”
Christian Tuipulotu, a winger with the Sea Eagles, has signed a two-year contract with the Dragons, effective immediately.
The 22-year-old’s contract with Manly expired at the end of 2025, but after four seasons with the team—during which he scored 14 tries in 33 NRL games and made his Test debut for Tonga in 2022—he was allowed to leave.
Coach Shane Flanagan stated Tuipulotu will provide the Dragons further depth in the backfield when 2024 recruit Corey Allan had an ACL tear during training in early January, dealing the team a severe blow.
