Gibbs, Fifita sign with Sharks

Posted June 15, 2011 15:16:00

Wests Tigers props Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Fifita are to join Cronulla from next season on three-year deals.

Gibbs, a member of the 2005 premiership-winning Tigers team, leaves the club after racking up 143 matches for the joint venture.

Fifita, 21, has played 35 matches for the Tigers including a number of barnstorming performances this season.

Announcing the departures on Wednesday, Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys says both players will be major losses to the club.

"Bryce has been a great servant of Wests Tigers for many years and we wish him and his family the very best for the future," he said in a statement.

"It was an extremely difficult decision for the club to make given Andrew's development here but it is a great opportunity for him personally and we could not lose sight of that.

"I know Bryce and Andrew are very determined to finish the season strongly and help Wests Tigers make the finals."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, campbelltown-2560, cronulla-2230, leichhardt-2040

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Tigers hang onto Woods and Fifita

Posted May 20, 2011 08:26:00

Wests Tigers have held onto two of the NRL's most promising young forwards, extending the contracts of props Aaron Woods and Andrew Fifita on Friday.

Woods' new deal will keep him at the club until the end of the 2014 season, while the Tigers have triggered an option in Fifita's contract for the 2012 season.

Woods has enjoyed an impressive debut season in 2011, making himself a valued member of the Tigers pack and playing seven games to date.

"I feel very privileged to be playing first grade and being surrounded by all of these great players," he said.

"Being a local junior I'm extremely proud to be now playing for the elite squad, it's a dream come true really."

Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys was delighted to retain two important pieces of future Tigers forward packs.

"Aaron and Andrew are showing maturity beyond their years and are perfect examples of the depth we now have throughout our player roster," Humphreys said.

"They've both had a lot more game time this year which will only benefit their development and the club in the long run."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, balmain-2041, campbelltown-2560, sydney-2000

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