Breakout Warriors front-rower Bunty Afoa has extended his contract with the club through to the end of 2021.
Following the re-signing of utility Jazz Tevaga this week, the Auckland-based franchise has secured two more prize graduates from its junior development programme.
Both were members of the 2014 Junior Warriors that won the Holden Cup Grand Final. That side also included current senior squad members Nathaniel Roache, Solomone Kata, Sam Lisone, James Bell and Ken Maumalo, as well as Tui Lolohea (Wests Tigers), Mason Lino (Newcastle Knights) and Brad Abbey (Canberra Raiders).
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Both made their first-grade debuts during the 2016 season and both were key contributors to his year's first NRL playoff appearance in seven years.
"Bunty has been terrific for us, even more so when you consider he was only 21 for almost the entire season," says Warriors head coach Stephen 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."
Afoa's previous current contract was scheduled to end next season, but both player and club had seen enough this season to lock him in for another two years on top of that.
"I love being a part of this club and I've really enjoyed my football this year, having the chance to play in the middle," says Afoa.
"I felt a lot more comfortable about my role, whether it was coming off the bench or starting, but I've got a lot more to learn and I want to do all I can to help the team do better next year."
Afoa has logged 44 first-grade games for the Warriors, after debuting against the Gold Coast Titans in 2016, and has also played five internationals for Samoa.
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