The Newcastle Knights have re-signed emerging forwards Sam Mataora and Paterika Vaivai, on a three and two year contract respectively.
“We are pleased to secure our two starting NSW Cup props on long term deals,” coach Rick Stone said.
“They have been outstanding this season and have a genuine opportunity to play regular NRL games next season.”
Mataora joined the Knights in July from the Canberra Raiders and has played all nine games since in NSW Cup.
The 23-year-old made his NRL debut in 2010 and has played 33 NRL games. In 2010, Mataora played for the Junior Kiwis and was named at second-row in the Holden Cup Team of the Year.
“Sam has size, speed and footwork with solid defensive capabilities and will continue to work hard on improving his game,” Stone explained.
Vaivai joined the Knights in 2012, playing in the Under 20s and winning the NYC Coaches Award before joining the full time squad for the past two years. The 22-year-old got his NRL chance in Round 9 this season.
“Pat is a terrific ball carrier with good skills and excellent leg speed,” Stone said.
“Pat has made sacrifices to improve his game and will take confidence out of this year into next season.”
The duo completed a promising 2014 season playing in the NSW Cup’s Grand Final against the Penrith Panthers.
“This season has provided a solid platform for both Sam and Pat to build upon and we know they will come back to pre-season with a steely determination to secure an NRL spot next year,” Stone said.
"Our top 25 is now near completion as we get set to commence pre-seaontraining on Monday."
