Fonua Pole extends contract

Wests Tigers is pleased to announce that Fonua Pole has extended his playing contract through until the end of 2025.

The 20-year-old forward signed a two-year deal in February this year for the 2023 and 2024 seasons and has today added a further 12 months to his stay.

Pole joined Wests Tigers in 2021 and rapidly progressed through the club’s representative teams before making his NRL debut last season.

The New Zealand born prop made ten consecutive appearances including his Round 16 debut against the Warriors and was subsequently named Rookie of the Year.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe is pleased to have Pole locked in for the next three seasons.

“Fonua has worked hard to get to where he is, and I’m delighted for him,” said Pascoe.

“He has progressed from our Balmain SG Ball team to Jersey Flegg, then NSW Cup and on to the NRL, so it’s a credit to Fonua and also shows that our pathways programs are working.”

Head coach Tim Sheens has welcomed the news of Pole’s contract extension.

“Fonua did well in his first season in the top grade and I look forward to watching his continued development,” said Sheens.

He’s a good example of what can happen for young players in our system who are prepared to work hard."

Tim Sheens

Pole is keen to make further gains in 2023.

“I was stoked to play first grade last season, it was like a dream come true,” said Pole.

I learned so much in a short time last season and I just want to focus on getting better and better over the next few years.

Fonua Pole

“It’s a really young squad and I think we’ve got some exciting times ahead of us, starting now.”