The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce the upgrade and contract extensions of Jirah Momoisea.

The backrower started the year on a Development Contract but has been catapulted into the Club’s Top 30 for season 2020.

The 21-year-old has also been extended a further two years, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of 2022.

Recruitment Manager Alex McKinnon can’t praise Momoisea highly enough for his application since joining the fulltime squad last year.

“Jirah’s athletic ability suits the way the game is changing,” McKinnon said.

“He has the ability to play middle and edge. His education is developing under the new coaching staff and still being young to the game, Jirah has plenty of improvement and together we look forward to living those rewards.”

A product of St Pauls in Auckland, Momoisea is enjoying his fourth year playing rugby league and his third year in Newcastle.

The edge, who can also play middle, said he is ecstatic to have his future secure.

“It’s amazing to know that I’ll be eligible for Round 1 and to be extended, gives me a bit if extra security with my future,” Momoisea said.

“It’s massive for the confidence to know Adam (O’Brien) believes in me and he sees something that I haven’t really seen in myself yet with the change of positions.

“I want to do my best and pay him back by playing well and consistently.”