Fast becoming one of the elite props in the game, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have handed a contract extension to Junior Tatola for a new long-term deal.
Tatola, who only very recently, was being considered for a potential NSW Origin berth, has signed on until the end of 2028.
Since making his debut in 2018, Tatola has played in 125 NRL games, all of which have come with the Rabbitohs.
Tatola was quick to thank the club for the support they have given him and for taking a chance on him back in 2018.
“When I came here I was a young guy looking for direction and now I’m a dad that feels like I’m contributing to the team whilst providing for my fiancée, Shannon, and my little boy, Mateo,” said Tatola.
“Firstly, the Club, for believing in me. When I first came and made the NRL it was a big thing for me and to be able to extend for another four years is just a blessing. I’m so grateful to this Club for what they’ve done for me and for what I’ve been able to achieve here.”
Tatola is grateful for both having the opportunity to play for the Rabbitohs and for being able to take his son into the club sheds.
“Being able to bring my little boy into the sheds and include him as part of the Souths family is really special,” continued Tatola.
“Those little moments are so big for our family and I can’t thank this Club enough for having the faith in me to represent the Rabbitohs every week.”
It should come as no surprise that the Rabbitohs view Tatola highly and believe he can get even better over the course of his new deal.
“Junior has worked so hard over the past six seasons to establish himself as one of the premier prop forwards in the NRL,” said Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison.
“We’ve seen him grow from a raw rookie back in 2018 to a respected player who is in calculations for State of Origin and international selection each season.
“Since coming to the Club he has become a young dad and is building a fantastic lifestyle for his young family.
“We are all very happy to have re-signed Junior for four further seasons and we look forward to watching him lead our forward pack in the years to come.”