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The Wests Tigers<\/a> have handed Blake Van Drie<\/a> and Siotame Havea<\/a> Jr., two of the club’s best juniors coming through the pathways system, upgraded contracts for the 2027 NRL<\/a> season.<\/p>\n In earning their maiden NRL<\/a> contracts, Havea will join the club’s development list 2027, while Van Drie will be on a train-and-trial contract for that season, meaning he will be available for selection from Round 11 onwards.<\/p>\n A standout for the Balmain Tigers in the Under-19s SG Ball Cup<\/a> earlier this season, Van Drie is a hard-running lock forward and was named Balmain’s Player of the Year in the competition.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Havea Jr. captained the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup<\/a> competition and is strong on both ends of the field in the middle of the forward pack.<\/p>\n \u201cThese players have been rewarded for what they’ve done across Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg \u2013 it speaks volumes for the work currently being done within our Pathways,” Wests Tigers<\/a>\u00a0Head of Football Matthew Betsey said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to keep seeing talent grow and develop across these sides and provide players with opportunities to progress and have greater involvement with the\u00a0NRL<\/a> squad.<\/p>\n \u201cThe boys have shown not just their talent and potential, but the characteristics and values we feel will assist them on their journey towards the NRL<\/a>.<\/p>\n