Vodafone Warriors back rower Josh Curran has become the latest player to extend his stay with the club until 2023.
His re-signing follows recent contract extensions for prop Bunty Afoa, utility forward Jazz Tevaga and centre Adam Pompey who have also recommitted for another two years.
Joining them on a two-year deal from next season is Melbourne prop Aaron Pene while 20-year-old outside back Rocco Berry and back rower Tohu Harris have been re-signed until 2024. New arrival Reece Walsh has also been signed until 2024.
Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown said Curran (22) had made significant strides in the busiest season of his career so far.
“Josh is a player of immense talent who is starting to deliver on the promise he has shown since his junior days,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.
Josh is a player of immense talent who is starting to deliver on the promise he has shown since his junior days
Nathan Brown Vodafone Warriors head coach
“He’s worked hard on his game and has shown with the right commitment he is an NRL player.
“He now needs to build on his performances this year and establish himself as a NRL starter. That’s his challenge and he will decide how good an NRL player he will be, which is exciting for everyone at the club.”
Curran made his sixth appearance of the year in Sunday’s encounter with the Storm to lift his career tally to 12 matches since his debut in 2019.
“Josh’s signing continues our process of securing key players from within as we build our squad for the future,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“Our members and fans can expect a lot of growth from younger players who have come into the squad in the last few years as they establish themselves as NRL players.”
Curran made his NRL debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2019 before joining the Vodafone Warriors midway through the season. His first outing for the club was against Canberra as was his second in the stunning season-ending 24-20 victory at GIO Stadium.
“Josh has untold ability and is starting to deliver on his promise,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.
“He adds a lot of value to our list being right at home at lock or on the edge. He deserves his extension following some outstanding training efforts and some great footy before his recent injury.
“I look forward to seeing him grow as a player and taking his game to another level.”
Curran, an Indigenous All-Stars representative the last two seasons, has scored his first two NRL tries this year. In his six appearances in 2021 he has averaged 35 minutes, 80 metres and 38 tackles including his career best performance of 142 metres and 50 tackles in the 20-14 win against St George Illawarra in April.
JOSH CURRAN
Born: June 10, 1999
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Junior Clubs: Merrylands Rams, Hills District Bulls (NSW)
Position: Loose forward/second row
Height: 185cm
Weight: 104kg
Previous Clubs: Sydney Roosters (2019)
NRL Debut: Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm, AAMI Park, Melbourne, April 19, 2019 (Rd 6)
Vodafone Warriors No: 238
Vodafone Warriors Debut: v Canberra Raiders, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, August 2, 2019 (Round 20)
NRL Games: 12 (2019-2021)
Sydney Roosters: 1 (2019)
Vodafone Warriors: 11 (2019-2021)
NRL Points: 8 (2 tries)
Representative: Indigenous All-Stars (2020, 2021)
