The NZ Warriors have re-signed electric rookie forward Eliesa Katoa until the end of the 2024 season.
The 20-year-old from Tonga was arguably their best player in the opening two games against the Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders, before the 2020 NRL season was postponed, due to the coronavirus.
Katoa has had limited time in the 13-man code, after he was initially signed by the Warriors from the Tamaki College First XV in Auckland.
Injuries saw him limited to just 11 appearances for the Warriors' Jersey Flegg Cup U20 side, but his performances were enough to earn a spot with the top side.
In his debut against the Knights, Katoa ran for 144 metres off the bench and a game-high 50 post-contact metres in just 52 minutes.
He started the following week against the Raiders and ran 157 metres and 60 post-contact metres, and broke four tackles.
"It was a shock," says Katoa. "The whole reason why I'm playing is to help out my family and my Mum’s happy.
"As a young player, I’m trying to sort out my future, so signing this deal for four years, I’m really happy about it.
"Every time I play, I want to put my best foot forward and just play my best."
Warriors chief executive Cameron describes him as the "complete package".
"He's dedicated, professional and has a wonderful attitude to life," explains George.
"An hour after our trial against the Storm, he was still in the changing room, sweeping the floor and picking up rubbish, and they're the kind of people we want to attract to our club."
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney echoes George's remarks.
"He's a wonderful boy," says Kearney. "He displays those values every day, whether it's at training or helping [gear manager Laurie Hale] by bringing equipment in.
"You wish you had 30 of them. Elis is a really important part of our club’s future."
The Warriors are currently in Tamworth, New South Wales, as they begin preparations for the restart of the 2020 NRL season.
On Friday, the NRL is expected to announce fixtures for rounds three and four, with the remaining games to be released next week.
When the season resumes, Katoa will likely get minutes off the bench, with Jazz Tevaga now available for selection.
Kato's re-signing indicates the Warriors' intentions to bolster their forward pack.
In March, they announced the signing of Tongan international Ben Murdoch-Masila on a three-year deal, starting in 2021, while the Auckland-based side have reportedly signed highly rated Cronulla Sharks prop Toby Rudolf.
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