The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the contract extension of Tongan international Tevita ‘Junior’ Tatola until at least the end of season 2024.
Tatola, 24, has become one of the mainstays of the Rabbitohs pack since earning a first grade debut against the New Zealand Warriors in round one of the 2018 season in Perth.
Junior, Rabbitohs first grade player number 1141, has represented Tonga in two Test matches, as well as representing the Australian Schoolboys in 2016.
Tatola’s consistency has been a hallmark of his three seasons in the red and green and Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, believes Junior still has plenty of improvement in his game.
“Junior has really established himself as one of the up-and-coming front rowers in the game and his partnership with Thomas Burgess has been a winner for us,” Mr Ellison said.
“He is strong defensively and runs hard which is what you need from your front rowers, but we feel he can go to new levels and further develop his game to become one of the leading props in the NRL.
Junior TatolaI really feel at home here at Souths and I love playing in front of our Members.
“We’re all really excited to know that Junior sees his future here in South Sydney and we’re looking forward to watching his continued development over the next four seasons and beyond.”
Tatola is thrilled to be remaining at the Rabbitohs.
“I’m really happy to be staying at the Rabbitohs. They gave me an opportunity to play in the NRL and I want to give back to the Club for what they’ve done for me,” Tatola said.
“I think we have a squad here that can do something special in the years to come so I’m glad I’ll be here until 2024 and hopefully for more years to come after that.
“I really feel at home here at Souths and I love playing in front of our Members and fans. It’s an honour to play for them and I’ll be working hard with my team mates to deliver success for them over the coming years.”
