Sydney Roosters have continued to lock down their premiership-winning squad after re-signing Siosiua Taukeiaho until the end of the 2022 NRL season.
Just days after extending Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for four more years, the Roosters moved quickly to tie down his fellow front-rower for the long haul.
Taukeiaho is the second player to re-commit since the club publicly withdrew a lucrative deal for embattled centre Latrell Mitchell.
Taukeiaho is currently with a large chunk of the grand-final winning side, along with coach Trent Robinson, celebrating their triumph in the United States.
However the club wasted no time in announcing the news on Friday, with Robinson suggesting Taukeiaho is primed for a leadership role.
“Siua has worked hard to get to where he is, and he is always looking at ways to be better,” Robinson said via statement.
“He is developing into a strong leader and it’s really pleasing to have Siua locked in to our club’s long-term plans,” he added.
The re-signing is a huge boost for a Roosters side, given Taukeiaho was widely considered the best front-rower in the league for most of the year.
The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 139 metres from 13 runs a game in 2019.
He was also runner-up for the Golden Boot award after a couple of standout performances for Tonga this year, including 254 metres against New Zealand.
He backed it up with 183 metres against Australia.
“I love this club and it’s a big honour to be part of the team here at the Roosters,” Taukeiaho said.
“Robbo and the coaches have done a lot for me, and with all the staff, we’re like one big family so I’m very happy to extend my time here.”
Taukeiaho’s extension leaves co-captain Jake Friend, veteran duo Mitch Aubusson and Brett Morris, and youngster Nat Butcher unsigned beyond 2020.
Latrell Mitchell also remains currently signed on for one more season, but appears all but certain to exit the club.
Promising centre Billy Smith, tipped to be Mitchell’s replacement, has a deal with the Roosters until the end of the 2021 season.