LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Jared Haywood, a promising young talent from the Wests Tigers, has received a contract upgrade following Tallyn Da Silva's mid-season exit to the Parramatta Eels.
Initially overlooked by the Penrith Panthers during the Harold Matthews Cup trials, Haywood has since established himself as one of the top young dummy-halves in rugby league.
Earlier this season, he signed his first NRL contract extending to the end of 2028 and is set to join the Top 30 roster starting in 2027.
Originally destined for the club's development list next year, Haywood's outstanding performance has led to a new train-and-trial contract for the remainder of the 2025 NRL season.
This arrangement will allow him to train full-time alongside experienced players Apisai Koroisau and Tristan Hope.
Haywood's contract upgrade is a recognition of his remarkable progress over the past year.
He has made significant strides, including being named captain of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball Cup side, leading Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown to the NRL Schoolboys Grand Final, and earning a spot in the 2024 Australian Schoolboys squad.
Earlier this year, he participated in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge, thanks to the guidance of Joe Conti, father of emerging playmakers Alex and Levi Conti.