Westpac NSW Blues forwards Tyson Frizell and Liam Martin have re-committed to their clubs delivering some welcome news for Newcastle and Penrith fans ahead of Round 22 this weekend.
Frizell has signed on for 2024 – his fourth season with the Knights and his 14th in the NRL.
The Knights website says the new agreement includes a rolling contract with options in the player’s favour for 2025, with an additional mutual option between the player and the club for 2026.
Frizell won the Knights 2022 Player of The Year, taking home the coveted Danny Buderus Medal.
He returned to the NSW Blues this year after a two-year absence bringing his Origin game tally to 16.
Newcastle Knights Director of Football Peter Parr said securing Frizell’s signature added great stability to the club.
“We are delighted Tyson has recommitted to the club," Parr said.
“His football this year has been as good as it has ever been. Tyson’s presence both on and off field is highly valued by our club."
Martin played all three State of Origin games this year to bring his tally to nine. He also scored his maiden try for the Blues in Game One in Adelaide.
His contract extension with the Panthers has him with the reigning Premiers until the end of the 2027 NRL season.
The 26-year-old was already signed for 2024 but has opted for another three years.
Martin made his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2015, his Origin debut in 2021 and his Kangaroos debut in 2022 at the World Cup.
"I’m really excited to stay at the club that gave me my first opportunity," Martin told the Panthers website.
"I think the culture we’re building at the club is something special and something I want to be a part of."
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary spoke of Martin's expertise in the back row.
"Marto is a quality player. He’s come through this system and he loves the Panthers – you can see that by the way he plays," Cleary said.
"He’s getting better each and every year. I think his work in the representative arenas have been really strong."
