Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that Tim Simona has agreed to terms with the Club for a further two seasons.

Simona, who made his first grade debut for Wests Tigers in 2011, has scored 18 tries in 46 NRL appearances and is another exciting product of the Club’s development system.

The 23-year-old made his International debut for Samoa during last year’s Four Nations tournament and has been selected for this weekend’s Test match against Tonga.

The new deal secures Simona’s future at the Club through until the end of the 2017 season.

“I’m really excited to be able to extend my time here at Wests Tigers,” Simona said. “I’m enjoying my football at the moment and it was always my first preference to stay.

“I’m glad that it has worked out that way and I want to thank the Club for offering me that opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to finishing the year strong and it I’m glad my contract has been sorted early on in the season.”

Simona is currently in camp with the Samoan side and formalisation of his contract to be completed once he returns from Test duties next week.

Head Coach Jason Taylor said the new deal for Simona is another quality retention decision by the Club, following on from Kevin Naiqama’s extension just two weeks ago.

“It’s great to have Tim commit to the Club for a further two seasons,” he said. “He has had a really strong start to the year and I’ve been impressed by his performances each week.

“Tim is an important part of the Club’s future and I’m excited to have him extend his time at Wests Tigers.”

Wests Tigers can also confirm that the Club has granted Shannon McDonnell an immediate release from his second-tier contract.

McDonnell has been playing with the NSW Cup side and has been offered an opportunity to return to the Super League for the remainder of 2015.

Player Profile: Tim Simona

Born — 20/11/1991, Auckland, New Zealand

Junior Club — Doonside Roos

Position — Centre/Wing/Fullback

Height — 183cm

Weight — 90kg

FG Debut — Wests Tigers v Newcastle, Leichhardt Oval, 06/06/2011

Rep Honours — 3 Tests for Samoa (2014 – Four Nations)