Salalilo secures contract upgrade and extension to 2029

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Fri 12 Jun 2026, 09:59 AM

One New Zealand Warriors middle forward Jason Salalilo has earned an upgrade to the top 30 NRL squad next year and a contract extension to the end of the 2029 season.

The confirmation comes as the Christchurch-born 21-year-old moves closer to following Brisbane’s Jordan Riki as only the second St Thomas of Canterbury College product to play in the NRL.

Included in the Warriors’ extended squad for their round 13 clash against Penrith, he could make his first-grade debut on Saturday after being named on the six-man bench for the round 15 encounter with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Go Media Stadium.

“Jason is a fantastic example of the strength of rugby league talent being produced out of St Thomas of Canterbury and our academy in Christchurch,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“He is setting a standard and goal for all young players from the region who aspire to be a Warrior.

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“We’re thrilled to see him progress to our full NRL squad and to have him with us until at least 2029.”

Able to play in the middle and in the second row, Salalilo started his Warriors career with the club’s SG Ball Cup (under-19) side in 2024 before moving into the Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) squad the same season and then becoming a New South Wales Cup reserve grade regular last year.

“Jason has so much to offer, a player who has made the most of every opportunity he has been given,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

“He’s a middle forward who brings plenty of energy and intensity in all he does.

“He’s another example of the outstanding talent we have coming through our pathways and we see him playing a key role for us in the coming years.”

After an injury-delayed start, Salalilo has made five New South Wales Cup appearances so far this season averaging 100 metres and 22 tackles a game (95 per cent tackle efficiency) while he has a total of 16 tackle breaks.

He played 22 times for the New South Wales Cup side last year including the grand final win over the St George Illawarra Dragons and the State Championship final victory against the Burleigh Bears.