LEEDS RHINOS have secured forward Keenan Palasia to a three-year contract extension.
Palasia signed a two-year deal when he joined the club ahead of last season from Gold Coast Titans.
But after impressing in his debut campaign, which brought 28 appearances as Leeds earned a first top-four finish in eight years, the 28-year-old Samoa international has committed until 2029.
“I’m really pleased to get it all sorted before the season starts,” said Palasia, who has appeared frequently at both loose-forward and prop.
“That was the main thing for me – to get it done so I can fully focus on my footy, put my best foot forward and hopefully help this club win some silverware.
“Coming off the back of a tough final season in the NRL, coming over here and finding my form again has been massive for me.
“I can thank the coaching staff and the team around me for that. The success of the team has rubbed off on me and now it’s about carrying that through over the next few years.”
Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur said: “Keenan is very much appreciated by his team-mates for the qualities he brings to our group.
“He has entered a new stage of his career in the last two years and really matured into a dependable player who puts his team first.
“The good news for the Rhinos is that there is even more he can still strive (for) and I know he is hungry to do that in the coming years with this group of players.”
Palasia’s new deal was announced shortly after news of James McDonnell’s planned exit for the NRL at the end of this year.