Canterbury Bulldogs young gun Blake Wilson has extended his time with the club until at least the end of the 2025 campaign.
The new two-year deal for Wilson comes after an impressive rookie campaign where he debuted during the 2023 season.
After being a late call up to debut for the injured Josh Addo-Carr in Round 11, Wilson would go on to make 11 appearances, with 10 in the starting side.
His first try - which came as a hat-trick - was against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 19, and he'd go on to double his tally, scoring six tries in his rookie season.
A recipient of regular praise from another rookie in head coach Cameron Ciraldo, the Noosa Pirates junior's work ethic was clear to see, finishing the year with 130 metres per game and 47 tackle busts in his 11 appearances to go with the 6 tries.
The 23-year-old's new deal is a show of faith from the Bulldogs in this conntinued improvement, although he is no guarantee of a regular starting spot in 2024.
The club have Josh Addo-Carr on their roster, as well as Jacob Kiraz. The Lebanon international would likely prefer to play in the centres or even at fullback, and may yet get his wish with the departures of Paul Alamoti (Penrith Panthers) and Jake Averillo (The Dolphins) at the end of 2023.
The Bulldogs still have decisions to make on the likes of Braidon Burns, Declan Casey and Jayden Okunbor, while Hayze Perham, Ethan Quai-Ward, Khaled Rajab, Jordan Samrani, Jeral Skelton and Blake Taaffe are joined by new recruits Bronson Xerri and Stephen Crichton as candidates to play in the back five.
It means Wilson will have his work cut out for him in locking up a spot in what will be a super competitive Bulldogs' backline next season.