'Significant moment' as teen freak signs mammoth deal

Two of the most talented young forwards in the competition have extended with the Warriors on deals that see them become the longest-contracted players at the club.

Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban have both re-committed until the end of 2029 in what is a major boost for the Auckland-based outfit.

Laban was originally set to come off-contract at the end of next season, while boom rookie Halasima was already locked in until 2027.

READ MORE: 'My teammates know': Truth behind lingering Lomax debate

READ MORE: Tigers poised to cut Galvin loose immediately

READ MORE: Blues throw support behind Queensland's No.1 target

However, with the looming introduction of new teams in Perth and Papua New Guinea, the club opted to move quickly to secure both their futures.

"Signing Leka and Jacob on long-term deals is a really significant moment for us," head of recruitment Andrew McFadden said in a statement.

"It reinforces what we are working towards in making this a development club, building it around players we are bringing through from the local game.

"Leka and Jacob are terrific examples of the talent in New Zealand while also showing off the opportunities available through our pathways."

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

The 19-year-old Halasima played a handful of games last year, but first turned heads when he scored a brilliant runaway try in the narrow round four win over the Wests Tigers and has since established himself in the starting second-row role.

Laban, who turned 21 last month, has played just four games this year but remains a major part of the Warriors' long-term plans.

Head coach Andrew Webster was thrilled to announce their contract extensions.

"It's so exciting for us seeing Leka and Jacob signed for so long," he said.

"We're really proud of them and what they've already achieved. We have so much belief in them and they're paying that back with their performances.

"Along with Demitric [Vaimauga], Ali [Leiataua] and Tanner [Stowers-Smith], Leka and Jacob show what our future looks like. They've got such a big part to play in it."

The side are currently in second position on the ladder behind the Canterbury Bulldogs.