Wests Tigers has today extended the contracts of three of its most exciting young players in full-back Tim Moltzen, winger Beau Ryan, and centre Blake Ayshford.
All three were off contract at the end of next season but their new deals tie them to the club until the end of the 2012. .
Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys said the club was thrilled to be able to extend their contracts.
“Tim has gone from the U20s Rookie of the Year in 2008 to an established first grade player,’’ Humphreys said.
“He is a crucial member in Wests Tigers going forward and he has successfully shown he can play full-back or half-back.
“Blake showed plenty of potential when he got his first grade opportunity this season and was rewarded for his efforts by being named the club’s Rookie of the Year.
“Tim and Blake have come through our apprentice system, played in the Toyota Cup, and have now cracked it in first grade.
“Beau has fought his way up from playing Premier League to now being an established first grade player. He has done a really good job for us on the wing. Beau loves the club and we are very happy to have him here.
“The extension of Tim, Blake and Beau comes on top of Wests Tigers securing the likes of captain Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Bryce Gibbs and Gareth Ellis among others to long term deals. We feel this gives the squad a good nucleus of players who can make a serious charge at the finals in 2010 and beyond.”
Moltzen, 21, established himself as one of the real rising stars of the Wests Tigers in 2009. Having played 10 first grade games in 2008, Moltzen took his opportunity at full-back early in the season and produced some superb form. He later moved to half-back where he formed a lethal combination with five-eighth Benji Marshall before shifting back to full-back in the final rounds. Moltzen scored 12 tries in 22 games.
“I can’t wait for next season to start. We have recruited very well and the players are looking forward to stepping up in 2010 and making the finals,’’ Moltzen said.
Ayshford, 21, developed into an outstanding young prospect in 2009 after making his first grade debut in round 11 against the Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium.
He emerged as a talented player with good footwork, skills and plenty of speed who can cover centre, lock, five-eighth, and wing. Ayshford scored eight tries in 15 matches and will be looking to cement a position in the centres alongside Chris Lawrence in 2010.
“There is so much talent here at Wests Tigers. I’m looking forward to playing in a side that I feel can make a serious challenge for the title in the next few years,’’ Ayshford said.
Ryan, 24, made the right wing his own in 2009, scoring 13 tries in 22 matches. A popular player amongst team-mates and supporters, Ryan will be looking for another big season in 2010 where he will partner Taniela Tuiaki on the wing.
“I am very happy with the new deal. Wests Tigers will enjoy some exciting times in the next few years and it is great to know I will be apart of it,’’ Ryan said.
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