LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Wests Tigers have confirmed the contract status of promising talent Jared Haywood following Tallyn Da Silva's recent departure to the Parramatta Eels.
Less than a week after Da Silva's exit, the Tigers are actively planning for their future, with Haywood emerging as a standout player.
Initially overlooked by the Penrith Panthers during the Harold Matthews Cup trials, Haywood has since established himself as one of the club's top up-and-coming prospects.
Earlier this season, he secured his first NRL contract that extends until the end of 2028.
Starting from 2027, he will officially join the Top 30 roster.
According to a source from Zero Tackle, his contract has been upgraded to a train-and-trial basis for the remainder of the season, which the Tigers confirmed always included a train-and-trial element.
As he readies himself to move up to the first-grade squad in the coming years, Haywood has been learning alongside experienced players like Apisai Koroisau and Tristan Hope.
Over the past year, Haywood's achievements have been noteworthy; he captained the Balmain Tigers SG Ball Cup team and played a key role in leading Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown to the NRL Schoolboys Grand Final.
Additionally, he earned a spot in the 2024 Australian Schoolboys squad, showcasing his rising status in the rugby league landscape.
The Tigers' proactive approach signals their commitment to developing young talent like Haywood as they navigate roster changes and build for the future.