Ava Seumanufagai Re-Signs
- Thread starter Sabre
- Start date
**Seumanufagai signs on at Wests Tigers**
Wests Tigers are pleased to announce the re-signing of prop forward Ava Seumanufagai until the end of the 2015 season.
After making his NRL debut in Round 3 last year, Seumanufagai has since played 34 NRL games and has become a key member of the Wests Tigers forward pack.
The 23-year-old said the new deal was a boost leading into the back end of the year as the Club pushes for a place in the finals series.
“I’m really excited to stay with the Wests Tigers,” Seumanufagai said. “I’m happy that my contract is sorted for next year and grateful for the opportunity.”
“I was lucky enough to get my first shot at NRL last year, and whilst it was tough in terms of results, I felt that I took a lot out of it and it made me stronger for this season.
“It’s really exciting to be part of the younger group of players at the Club and I think we can achieve something special in the next few years.
“For now though, it’s all about a strong finish to the year and we are focussed on making a run to the finals.”
Hailing from Wellington in New Zealand, Seumanufagai played his junior football for the Wainuiomata Lions, and later the Hills Bulls, before being recruited to the Parramatta Eels junior system.
Seumanufagai joined the Wests Tigers in 2012, playing in the NSW Cup Grand Final later that year with Balmain Ryde-Eastwood.
Head Coach Mick Potter expressed his delight in securing the hard-working prop for another season.
“Ava has steadily improved as the year has gone on,” Potter said. “There’s no doubt he has been a real asset for us with his metres after contact, ability to build ruck speed and exceptional defence.”
“Ava has worked really hard on his fitness at every possible opportunity and it’s showing in his football as he starts to get more and more minutes.
“Defensively Ava is rock-solid and it’s a pleasing aspect because he has developed that and worked really hard in the pre-season to get where he is at now.
“The players love it when Ava comes on the field, he gives us that lift and really deserves what he is getting.”
The announcement comes on the back of fellow young forward Sitaleki Akauola extending his time at the Club for another two years just yesterday.
Wests Tigers are pleased to announce the re-signing of prop forward Ava Seumanufagai until the end of the 2015 season.
After making his NRL debut in Round 3 last year, Seumanufagai has since played 34 NRL games and has become a key member of the Wests Tigers forward pack.
The 23-year-old said the new deal was a boost leading into the back end of the year as the Club pushes for a place in the finals series.
“I’m really excited to stay with the Wests Tigers,” Seumanufagai said. “I’m happy that my contract is sorted for next year and grateful for the opportunity.”
“I was lucky enough to get my first shot at NRL last year, and whilst it was tough in terms of results, I felt that I took a lot out of it and it made me stronger for this season.
“It’s really exciting to be part of the younger group of players at the Club and I think we can achieve something special in the next few years.
“For now though, it’s all about a strong finish to the year and we are focussed on making a run to the finals.”
Hailing from Wellington in New Zealand, Seumanufagai played his junior football for the Wainuiomata Lions, and later the Hills Bulls, before being recruited to the Parramatta Eels junior system.
Seumanufagai joined the Wests Tigers in 2012, playing in the NSW Cup Grand Final later that year with Balmain Ryde-Eastwood.
Head Coach Mick Potter expressed his delight in securing the hard-working prop for another season.
“Ava has steadily improved as the year has gone on,” Potter said. “There’s no doubt he has been a real asset for us with his metres after contact, ability to build ruck speed and exceptional defence.”
“Ava has worked really hard on his fitness at every possible opportunity and it’s showing in his football as he starts to get more and more minutes.
“Defensively Ava is rock-solid and it’s a pleasing aspect because he has developed that and worked really hard in the pre-season to get where he is at now.
“The players love it when Ava comes on the field, he gives us that lift and really deserves what he is getting.”
The announcement comes on the back of fellow young forward Sitaleki Akauola extending his time at the Club for another two years just yesterday.
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Disappointing its only for a yr.
foreveratiger
New member
I mean is this seriously an announcement ??? signed for one more year , hardly a big announcement .
They are just trying to distract everyone from the turmoil we have had . Why couldn't they announce that yesterday both of them together …. Please nice tactic Mayer!!!
They are just trying to distract everyone from the turmoil we have had . Why couldn't they announce that yesterday both of them together …. Please nice tactic Mayer!!!
Blackpearl
New member
@GNR4LIFE said:
x 2 … would have thought ava's efforts this season alone would have been worthy of at least a two year offer. but glad to read that ava is keen to stay on as weststiger.
Very happy about his extension but would have liked a 2 year extension.
At 23 years old he has a lot of development as a prop to go.
Most props get better as they get older, Woods is an exception.
Look at Matt Scott for the Cowboys for an example.
Would like him to start some games and get Galloway to come off the bench.
I always worry about bench players getting valueable match time, especailly when injuries occur and they have to step up.
At 23 years old he has a lot of development as a prop to go.
Most props get better as they get older, Woods is an exception.
Look at Matt Scott for the Cowboys for an example.
Would like him to start some games and get Galloway to come off the bench.
I always worry about bench players getting valueable match time, especailly when injuries occur and they have to step up.
“There’s no doubt he has been a real asset for us with his metres after contact, ability to build ruck speed and exceptional defence.”
Couldn't agree more with the above…Great News....Ava really adds a lot to our side...
Couldn't agree more with the above…Great News....Ava really adds a lot to our side...
foreveratiger
New member
@THE POM said:
Of course i'm happy him staying , the season is nearly finished for 2014 so to be signed for just the 2015 season is hardly a big announcement , 2 or 3 year extension is .
Just my thoughts
tigermaniac
Well-known member
2 years would have been good, but one is better than none. He is the type of player that the more I see, the more I like. Good stuff Ava.
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jirskyr
Well-known member
@Blackpearl said:
Maybe it is Ava's preference too.
Sometimes cusp first graders like Ava commit to shorter deals, backing themselves to continue to improve and get a better deal in 12 months. He has gone from NSW Cup to consistent bench selection in that same period of time.
Tigersmurf
Well-known member
I am not convinced he has the goods long term, although he did impress me with his metres against the dogs.
I would expect that a one year extension is reflective of our quality junior forwards coming through and the hope that a Brown or Lodge is then in a position to take this position in late 2015-16.
I think it is fair to both the player and the club.
I would expect that a one year extension is reflective of our quality junior forwards coming through and the hope that a Brown or Lodge is then in a position to take this position in late 2015-16.
I think it is fair to both the player and the club.
foreveratiger
New member
@jirskyr said:
Yeah good point , with an injury free year from the rest of our top players , and maybe riding high on the ladder could = a better bargaining tool when he negotiates his contract this time next year.
greatodensraven
New member
Congrats to big Ava, hope he kicks on, he has a chance to take keithy's starting spot I reckon.
Good to have plenty of depth in the front row.
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Good to have plenty of depth in the front row.
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Very good news. Every team needs an 'Ava' - a strong reliable young prop who gets through his work without fuss.
I hope the 1yr deal was a mutual decision, and that Ava thinks he has some more improvement in his game to take him to another level in terms of remuneration.
He has certainly been playing his best footy the last few rounds, so maybe the challenge was put out to him. If so, he has responded in the best possible way and is backing himself to continue.
I hope the 1yr deal was a mutual decision, and that Ava thinks he has some more improvement in his game to take him to another level in terms of remuneration.
He has certainly been playing his best footy the last few rounds, so maybe the challenge was put out to him. If so, he has responded in the best possible way and is backing himself to continue.
andrew 474
New member
Great news , but only one year , please 2 minimum,
Hope Thompson is next with a 2 year deal
Hope Thompson is next with a 2 year deal
supercoach
Well-known member
You dont know, maybe he requested a one year deal, thinking he maybe in a lot better position in 2015 to get better dollars for 2016 and beyond.
I just can't see any reason the club would not try and get him for at least two years, any way main thing we have him signed sealed and delivered for next year, as he will only get better
I just can't see any reason the club would not try and get him for at least two years, any way main thing we have him signed sealed and delivered for next year, as he will only get better
Hmmm, one year ehh…
I like it.
Hopefully he improves next year and gets locked down long term.
I like it.
Hopefully he improves next year and gets locked down long term.
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