“He loves being with Warriors while his experience is invaluable helping the next generation of hookers coming through our pathways system.”
Wayde Egan has signed a contract extension with the Warriors. Photo / Photosport
Egan comes off an outstanding season where he was recognised as the hooker of the year at the Dally M awards, having played 25 of the Warriors’ 26 games last season and producing a career-best 13 try assists.
The front-rower arrived from the Penrith Panthers in 2020 and now has the possibility to make his 150th appearance for the club and his 200th career game next year, currently sitting at 146 for the club and 175 overall.
Egan was also revealed to be in the Kiwis camp before their Rugby League World Cup fixture against the Cook Islands in Christchurch, suggesting he could make an appearance in the black jersey.
Warriors teammate Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was surprised news of Egan’s time with the Kiwis had become known.
“I didn’t know that everyone knew that he was in camp, have to keep everything under the hush, but no, it’s good,” Nicoll-Klokstad said.
“It’s cool to have Wayde into camp. He looks really good in black. I don’t know if you’ve seen any footage or seen him out at the moment, but yeah, I’ve enjoyed having him here so far.”
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (left) and Wayde Egan (centre) could line up together for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Photosport
The 31-year-old said Egan’s role was to help the team prepare for their upcoming fixture, but would love to see him wear a Kiwis jumper.
“Like I said, he looks good in black and when it’s time for him to have kids, he’ll be leaving a legacy behind that his kids can follow.”
However, Kiwis coach Stacey Jones had previously revealed the Australian-born front-rower made himself unavailable for World Cup selection, despite having qualified after living in Auckland for more than five years.
The Herald first reported earlier in October that Egan was close to signing a contract extension, but were likely to lose Sam Healey as a result.
Healey has become one of the most promising hookers in the NRL, but with Egan re-signing, the 24-year-old’s opportunities are likely to be limited.
The English-born Australian is off-contract after 2027 and was given permission to negotiate with other clubs before the November 1 window opened.
The Herald understands an offer from the Warriors to Healey and his representatives was turned down earlier this year, but he will be part of the team next season, completing his three-year deal signed in 2024.