Versatile forward Jazz Tevaga has re-signed with the Warriors after a standout 2018 NRL campaign. Photo / Photosport
Versatile forward Jazz Tevaga has re-signed with the Warriors after a standout 2018 NRL campaign. Photo / Photosport
The Warriors have re-signed versatile forward Jazz Tevaga and front-rower Bunty Afoa.
Fresh from collecting the Interchange Player of the Year trophy at the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, Tevaga has re-committed to the club on a one-year deal for next season with an option for 2020.
The club has also moved to secure Afoa on a new contract that will keep him in Auckland at least until the end of 2021.
Tevaga's re-signing comes as Warriors fans continue to await news on off-contract hooker Issac Luke's playing future with the Kiwi international still in talks to re-sign for next season.
After missing the opening two matches of the season, Tevaga went on to appear in 20 of the next 23 games to complete his strongest NRL campaign since his debut in 2016.
The Christchurch-born, Papakura-raised forward extended his career tally to 35 appearances this season, averaging 56 minutes, 10 runs, 85 metres and 37 tackles a game.
"We've been really pleased with the way Jazz has developed his game this year and were thrilled when he won the Dally M interchange award this week," said Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney.
"He was important to our success, the way he came off the bench to bring energy and toughness playing big minutes."
Afoa's contract extension comes after an impressive season in which the 22-year-old Samoan international made 23 appearances to establish himself as one of the club's first-choice forwards.
Bunty Afoa. Photo / Photosport
The Pt Chevalier junior and St Paul's College product missed just two games and has appeared in 40 of a possible 49 matches in the last two years following his NRL debut in 2016.
Afoa started seven games and was used 16 times off the interchange bench and now sits just six games short of the 50-game milestone.
"Bunty has been terrific for us, even more so when you consider he was only 21 for almost the entire season," said Kearney.
"What he gives us is real consistency in effort and performance which makes him one of the most impressive young forwards in the game. He also brings a wonderful attitude in all he does as well and will improve even more."
Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith said the pair's re-signing was vital as the club sought to retain the best talent to have emerged from their junior development system.
"We have a really good crop of young players making their way in the NRL," said Smith.
"Jazz is another one of them who now joins David (Fusitu'a), Ken (Maumalo) and Bunty from that group who have re-signed.
"What Bunty has done in such a short time in the NRL is inspirational, a fine example for all young kids in this country who have dreams of making it. He's a pleasure to have at our club in the way he conducts himself as a footballer and in the community.
"The beauty with him is that he causes no fuss. He's always helpful, low maintenance and very coachable."
