Hooker Karl Lawton has committed himself to the Vodafone Warriors until the end of the 2021 NRL season after signing a two-year contract extension.

The new deal was confirmed today a day after the 23-year-old was named to start in the No 9 jersey in this Sunday’s NRL Heritage Round clash against Penrith at Mount Smart Stadium.

It will be Lawton’s 13th appearance for the Vodafone Warriors after joining the club from the Gold Coast Titans in March last year.

“We’re delighted to secure Karl for another two years,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Brian Smith.

“The coaching staff are really impressed with him on all levels on and off the field with the energy he brings to all he does.

“Karl had a delayed start to the season but he is certainly making up for it.”

Lawton was used only once in the first eight rounds of the NRL season when he started against his old club Gold Coast in round four.

After spending time with the Canterbury Cup NSW side, he returned for the Magic Round encounter with St George Illawarra, making an explosive 20-minute contribution to help the Vodafone Warriors to a 26-18 comeback win.

He has been ever-present since appearing in each of the last five matches, initially off the bench but as the starting hooker in the 24-20 win over the Titans on June 14.

His signing comes a day after the Vodafone Warriors announced young Sydney Roosters middle forward Josh Curran had been signed to the end of the 2021 season.

KARL LAWTON

Date of Birth: November 29, 1995

Birthplace: Murwillumbah, NSW

Junior Club: Burleigh Bears (Qld)

Position: Hooker

Height: 185cm

Weight: 93kg

Previous Clubs: Gold Coast Titans (2016-2017)

Rep Honours: Queensland under-20s (2015)

NRL Debut: Gold Coast v Vodafone Warriors, Mount Smart Stadium, July 2, 2016 (Round

17)

Vodafone Warriors No: 229

NRL Career: 24 appearances, 2016-2019

NRL Points: 24 (6 tries)