Hooker Wade Egan will remain at NZ Warriors for at least the next three seasons, after inking a contract extension.
The former Penrith Panthers rake was off contract after the 2022 campaign, but career-best form during 2021 has earned the 24-year-old a new deal.
Club general manager football Craig Hodges says Egan developed real consistency in his game throughout the past season.
"We're really excited to have Wayde with us for a further two years," says Hodges. "He impressed throughout the season, giving us real consistency with his work at hooker.
"We like what he brings to the squad and to the club as a whole with his work ethic, as well as his attitude off the field, where he has a passion for community causes."
Remarkably, Egan has never played at the club's home ground at Mt Smart Stadium, due to the COVID pandemic, but will hopefully get the chance in July, when the team are scheduled to return to New Zealand.
Egan's played 38 games through two seasons with the club.
"What's really impressive about Wayde is the way he's always looking to improve his game," says coach Nathan Brown.
"He gave us tremendous value this year, performing consistently well and standing out as one of our best players across the season."
Egan was among the four nominees for the club's prestigious Simon Mannering Medal, along with Addin Fonua-Blake, Euan Aitken and award winner Tohu Harris.
