2024 NRL Signings Tracker: Smith signs a new deal with the Roosters; Manly extends Trbojevic
Ben Trbojevic, a back-row player with the Sea Eagles, has signed a three-year contract extension that will run through the conclusion of the 2027 campaign.
Having come through the Sea Eagles Pathways Program, 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 spot, according to Seibold.
In addition to recognizing Ben’s growth, we also hope to honor 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 striking center, will be with the Tricolours until at least the end of 2027 according 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 several 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, starting 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 go.
Coach Shane Flanagan stated Tuipulotu would 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 setback. “Christian will be a great addition to the team. He’s a big guy who can add some strike out of the backfield,” Flanagan stated.
“We have so
me good outside backs coming through at the Dragons, but it was important for us to add some NRL experience to the backline for this year after we lost Corey Allan for the season.”
English forward Thomas Burgess has signed a three-year Super League contract with Huddersfield and will return home at the end of the current campaign.
Burgess, who has played 225 NRL games since making his NRL debut against the Parramatta Eels in 2013, is expected to become the second-most-capped player for the Rabbitohs this season.
The 31-year-old has participated in 33 Tests for England and four Tests for Great Britain, including three World Cups, and he won a premiership with South Sydney in 2014.
Burgess stated, “I’m relieved that my future is secured, but right now, I’m focused on winning another premiership with South Sydney.”
“We have an incredible eight months ahead of us as we strive to achieve our joint objective of becoming our Club’s 22nd championship winners.
“I’m excited about what’s ahead at Souths and about the chance to bring my young family back to my native country in England after that, but I won’t let that deter me from doing my part for my team in 2024.”
Ezra Mam, the grand final hat-trick hero, has signed a new contract with the Broncos that will keep him through the conclusion of the 2029 campaign.
With 38 outings under his belt, the 21-year-old made his NRL debut against the Knights in Round 11, 2022.
Kevin Walters, the coach of the Broncos, stated, “Ezra is a born and bred Bronco, and it’s great that he is staying where he belongs.”
Although he is a lively player, he also enjoys taking on difficult tasks and doing what is necessary for his team.
“We’ve only just begun to explore Ez’s potential; we’ll be working with him to raise his level of performance, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish as a team in the years to come.”
Raymond Faitala-Mariner, a former Kiwi international who was released from the Bulldogs immediately, has signed a deal with the Dragons.
In order for Faitala-Mariner to take advantage of the chance with the Dragons, who have signed him for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Canterbury-Bankstown decided to grant him a release.
The 30-year-old, who has played in four Test matches for Toa Samoa and New Zealand, and 114 games of first-grade experience over ten seasons, joins the Red V with immediate effect.
It happens after the Dragons signed playmaker Jesse Marschke for the 2024 campaign, bolstering their depth in the halves.
Official NRL rosters for 2024
The NRL Telstra Premiership 2024 rosters have been updated and are shown below. The whole list includes contract durations along with player, club, and mutual options.
Player option (PO): The player can choose to activate one or more extra years.
Club option (CO): Club may elect to activate one or more extra years.
Mutual option (MO): The option to activate an extra year or years is discussed by both parties.
