Zero tackle reporting that Jared Haywood has had his contract upgraded to a train and trial for remainder of 2025.
Thoughts?
Less than a week after Tallyn Da Silva exited the Wests Tigers to sign with the Parramatta Eels in a mid-season switch, the club has wasted no time upgrading the contract of one of the best young dummy-halves in rugby league.
Overlooked by the Penrith Panthers in the Harold Matthews Cup trials, Jared Haywood has gone on to become one of the best up-and-coming talents at the Tigers and was given his first NRL contract until the end of 2028 earlier this season. He will join the Top 30 roster from 2027 onwards.
Originally set to join the club's development list next season, Zero Tackle understands that he has now earned a contract upgrade and has been rewarded with a train-and-trial contract for the remainder of the 2025 NRL season, which will see him learn off Apisai Koroisau and Tristan Hope on a full-time basis.
The decision to re-sign Haywood comes after he has had a sensational 12 months, which has included being named captain of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball Cup side, leading Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown to the NRL Schoolboys Grand Final, and being named in the 2024 Australian Schoolboys squad.
He also had the opportunity to play in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge earlier this year after being brought into the club by Joe Conti, the father of up-and-coming playmakers Alex and Levi Conti.
In an exclusive interview with Zero Tackle earlier in the year, the St Marys Saints junior opened up about wearing the prestigious Tigers jumper, the importance of his family, and the dream he has had since he was six of one day playing in the NRL.
"It's awesome wearing the Tigers jersey. The pride that me and all the boys have to wear that jersey is unreal," Haywood told Zero Tackle.
"It's what you dream about as a young kid. As a young six-year-old, you dream to play in the NRL and for some people it doesn't work out but for the guys that do, it's one of the best feelings you could ever have."
MORE TO COME...
Thoughts?
Wests Tigers young gun Jared Haywood earns contract upgrade
The upgrade could see him make his NRL debut later this year.
Ethan Lee ChalkLess than a week after Tallyn Da Silva exited the Wests Tigers to sign with the Parramatta Eels in a mid-season switch, the club has wasted no time upgrading the contract of one of the best young dummy-halves in rugby league.
Overlooked by the Penrith Panthers in the Harold Matthews Cup trials, Jared Haywood has gone on to become one of the best up-and-coming talents at the Tigers and was given his first NRL contract until the end of 2028 earlier this season. He will join the Top 30 roster from 2027 onwards.
Originally set to join the club's development list next season, Zero Tackle understands that he has now earned a contract upgrade and has been rewarded with a train-and-trial contract for the remainder of the 2025 NRL season, which will see him learn off Apisai Koroisau and Tristan Hope on a full-time basis.
The decision to re-sign Haywood comes after he has had a sensational 12 months, which has included being named captain of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball Cup side, leading Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown to the NRL Schoolboys Grand Final, and being named in the 2024 Australian Schoolboys squad.
He also had the opportunity to play in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge earlier this year after being brought into the club by Joe Conti, the father of up-and-coming playmakers Alex and Levi Conti.
In an exclusive interview with Zero Tackle earlier in the year, the St Marys Saints junior opened up about wearing the prestigious Tigers jumper, the importance of his family, and the dream he has had since he was six of one day playing in the NRL.
"It's awesome wearing the Tigers jersey. The pride that me and all the boys have to wear that jersey is unreal," Haywood told Zero Tackle.
"It's what you dream about as a young kid. As a young six-year-old, you dream to play in the NRL and for some people it doesn't work out but for the guys that do, it's one of the best feelings you could ever have."
MORE TO COME...
