The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced that second-rower Jacob Host has agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension that will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of 2020.

The local Renown United junior made his first-grade debut against the New Zealand Warriors in Round 9 last season and has played eight NRL games to date.

Host additionally featured for the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup last season and was part of their successful NSW Cup Premiership and NRL State Championship campaigns.

The Junior Kangaroo was also one of five players from the Club who most recently was invited to take part in a specialist pathways program organised by NSWRL in December.

“I am really happy to be able to remain a Dragon and lock-in my future with the team I have supported since a child,” said Host.

“I have come through the junior ranks representing the Club and look forward to being able to continue doing so as a first-grade player.

“My goal now is to continue working hard and playing my role in the squad and repay the faith shown in me by the coaching staff.”

Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward is delighted by Host’s decision to extend his contract and tenure with the Club.

“Our desire was always to identify the players we require to move forward as a Club and Jacob ticked all those boxes,” said Millward.

“Jacob possesses the ability to play in a variety of positions as well as a mature and positive attitude in the way he approaches playing rugby league.

“We look forward to watching Jacob continue his development on the field and we very much see him as a leader here in the years to come.”