Wests Tigers winger Charlie Staines has put an end to any uncertainty over his future, inking a fresh two-year deal to stay at the NRL club until the end of 2025.
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Off-contract at the end of last season, Staines has technically spent the past three weeks as an unsigned free agent with no contract for 2024.
The preference was always for the 23-year-old to remain at the club, but the Tigers needed to release players from their squad to accomodate that.
That became possible on Tuesday, when Triston Reilly and Brandon Webster-Mansfield were let go from the Tigers' top 30.
Staines had his first season with the Tigers interrupted this year, when a perforated bowel landed him in hospital and ruled him out for three months.
"It was a difficult first season here for me with the ruptured bowel, but the club was so supportive through that time," Staines said.
"I want to have a strong pre-season and then hit the ground running next year.
"I love it here at Wests Tigers and I'm excited to be with this group for at least another couple of years."
Staines had been one of the best players in the competition without a contract for next year, after winning a premiership with Penrith in 2022.
"We love what he brings not only as player but also as a person," Tigers coach Benji Marshall said.
"We're all looking forward to seeing Charlie play some great footy for this club."
Australian Associated Press
