New Zealand Warriors are beginning to plan for long-term NRL success, with rookie forwards Jacob Laban and Zyon Maiu’u both extending with the club until the end of 2026.
The pair are seen as some of the most exciting young prospects across the ditch, featuring in the NSW Cup competition last season and pushing their way into the top 30 squad in Auckland.
19-year-old Laban had a strong campaign in reserve grade and came close to a first grade debut in the final round, before representing New Zealand A in their clash against Tonga A at the end of the year.
20-year-old Maiu’u played every game for the Wahs in reserve grade and will be pushing for a call-up next year, with head coach Andrew Webster prepared to invest in the next generation.
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In a statement released on Thursday morning, the head coach tipped the young enforcers for a bright future.
“They’ve come off impressive seasons and definitely have what is required to succeed in the NRL,” Webster said.
“They were both eligible for our SG Ball Cup under-19 side this year but they showed they were more than ready to be developed at a higher level.
“Zyon did a fantastic job cementing himself in reserve grade from the start of the season while Jacob underlined his ability throughout and came close to making his NRL debut late in the campaign.
“We see big futures for both of them and it’s only a matter of time before they have a taste of NRL football.”
Both players joined the club during the COVID period as teenagers and have progressed through the system, potentially filling the void that will be left by Josh Curran and Addin-Fonua-Blake.
With the versatile back-rower joining the Bulldogs with immediate effect for 2024 and the Tongan captain set to depart at the end of next year, there will be a major hole in the Warriors' forward pack long-term.
But if the club's hopes of their young duo continuing their rise comes to fruition, it should hold them in good stead.
“Jacob and Zyon were both elevated into our NRL top 30 squad during the season and have worked hard to earn their new contracts,” the club's general manager of football Andrew McFadden said.
“They’ve made huge progress since joining the club during the COVID period and provide a great example of the benefits of our pathways.”