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Curious timing of Warriors’ huge signing news amid halves crisis; Storm bolster pack — Daily Chanel Harris-Tavita’s stellar form for the Warriors this year has been rewarded, with the playmaker signing a two-year extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029. Harris-Tavita’s future was uncertain as he entered the season with no deal beyond 2026, but he has stepped up to be one of the club’s more consistent performers amid a torrid injury toll among the halves. Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. With the likes of Luke Metcalf, Tanah Boyd and Te Maire Martin all suffering injuries around him, Harris-Tavita has been a steady head for the third-placed Warriors, who are well and truly in the hunt for the minor premiership. The playmaker signed a one-year extension for 2027 back in May but his excellent form since has led to the Warriors placing further faith in the 27-year-old. The timing of the move is interesting to say the least though. The Warriors’ announcement comes just hours after it was revealed that the club are looming as a potential destination for Nathan Cleary. Cleary is under contract with Penrith at the end of next season, meaning he’s free to negotiate with rival clubs from 2027. Halfback Tanah Boyd also signed a long-term extension with the club this season, which ties him to the Warriors until the end of 2029. “Initially Chanel renewed for just the one season but we couldn’t be happier to have him with us for a longer term,” Warriors GM Andrew McFadden said via a club-issued statement. “It secures his future and ensures he will continue to be a critical part of our plans for at least the next three seasons. He has worked so hard at improving his game and has become one of the game’s most accomplished halves.” STORM TO ADD VETERAN FORWARD The Storm have bolstered their forward pack for next season, inking Eels back rower Kelma Tuilagi to a one-year deal. It’s a move that will help cover the loss of the departing Shawn Blore. It also gives the Storm depth given the uncertainty around the playing future of Eli Katoa. Tuilagi is set to return to Melbourne after spending time in the club’s pathways program. While he didn’t debut for the Storm, the Victorian junior was in the club’s 2020 squad as noted by Director of Football Frank Ponissi in a club-issued statement. “Kelma has a strong connection to our club. He was part of our 2020 Premiership-winning squad and came through the Victorian rugby league system, so it’s fantastic to bring him back after he’s established himself as an NRL player,” Ponissi said. “He’s a powerful, athletic forward who has continued to develop over the past few seasons. “He’ll add experience and physicality to our forward pack, and we’re excited to see him back in a Storm jersey.” Tuilagi has featured in 16 games for the Eels this season.