The official NRL season may be over, but the excitement for the 2017 season has already begun with news of player transfers and contract extensions.
However, many of your favourite XXXX Queensland Maroons have opted to stay loyal to their current clubs to the delight of their fans. In case you missed it; we’ve got the good news about four of our State of Origin superstars.
Matt Gillett extends with the Broncos until end of 2020
With rumblings earlier in the year of a move to the Warriors in 2017, Broncos fans were on the edge of their seats waiting to find out the fate of Matt Gillett. To the delight of all #QLDERS, it was announced last month (September) that Gillett would be staying in the maroon and gold of Brisbane until the end of 2020. He will be turning 32 in 2020, which makes it very possible that the popular forward will finish his career as a one-club player.
Justin O’Neill remains with the Cowboys until 2018
With reports that the Melbourne Storm were attempting to re-sign him earlier this year, it was exciting to see if Justin O’Neill would be staying with the Cowboys. With the outside back in great form – which led to him stepping up to make his State of Origin debut this year – there was no way the Cowboys were going to let him go; extending his contract until the end of season 2018. It has been a massive few months for the Hughenden Hawks / Townsville Brothers junior who won the 2015 NRL grand final in his first season with the Cowboys. He was also married in the same year and welcomed his first child late in 2016.
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Cooper Cronk sticking with Storm until end of 2018
After recently joining the elite group of players who have featured in more than 300 games for the one club, Cooper Cronk has happily agreed to continue his NRL journey with the Storm. In his new deal, Melbourne retain the Maroons halfback until the end of 2018, the same time deals with coach Craig Bellamy and fellow Queensland superstar Cameron Smith are set to end. Cronk is another player who is enjoying a rich vein of form, having been named joint winner of this year’s Dally M medal alongside NQ Cowboy Jason Taumalolo.
Greg Inglis renews with the Rabbitohs until end of 2020
Regarded as one of the best players in the game, this Queenslander will be staying down south for now. Greg Inglis has extended his contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs until 2020. When asked what factors influenced his extension at the club, Inglis said he valued stability. “This is a wonderful club to be part of, a great team to play with and I'm really happy to know what my family's future holds for the next four years,” he said.
Be sure to stay tuned to QRL.com.au for more player transfers news.
