South Sydney Rabbitohs have re-signed three rising stars in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup to contract extensions which will keep them in the cardinal and myrtle until at least the end of 2024.
Centre Isaiah Tass, wing-centre Izaac Thompson and second rower Ben Lovett have all scored tries in NSW Cup this year; Thompson being the standout with 20 in 16 games.
Thompson, 25, who has had a few injury setbacks, made his NRL debut this year in wins over the Warriors and the Eels in Rounds 21 and 22 – scoring a try in each.
“Izaac’s story is quite remarkable,” Rabbitohs Head of Football Mark Ellison said.
“At one stage he had quit the sport and weighed over 140kg, but he has fought back and worked extremely hard to get himself into a position to become a regular first grade prospect.
“His hard work off the field is matched by the work he does for his team on the field and he is a noted try scorer at all levels,” Ellison said.
Tass, 23, has played 12 NRL games this year for nine wins and two tries. He has also scored nine tries in NSW Cup and had seven try assists and three line-breaks.
“Tassy’ has come along in leaps and bounds this year which is a testament to his willingness to work hard and learn from his experienced teammates around him,” Ellison said.
“He has thrown himself into everything and has earned the opportunities he’s received this year.
“JD (NRL coach Jason Demetriou) has shown faith in him and he’s repaid that faith with his excellent performances on the field and his dedication to his training and the club off the field.”
Lovett, 20, has been a development player with the Rabbitohs throughout 2022 after winning the club’s Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year award in 2021.
The Parkes Spacemen junior played in the NRL trial match earlier this year against North Queensland Cowboys in Cairns.
In The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Lovett has four tries and two line-breaks from his seven games this year. He has a powerful running game and is strong defensively on the edge.
Lovett has featured in the Rabbitohs extended NRL squad since making his comeback from an ankle injury suffered in the pre-season.
“Ben’s game has progressed strongly throughout the year and he’s pushed for a spot in our top 17 on game day on many occasions,” Ellison said.
