South Sydney have re-signed prop Shaquai Mitchell, brother of teammate Latrell, whose own lucrative deal expires at the end of 2023.
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The older Mitchell brother's two-year contract extension moves him to the Rabbitohs' top-30 squad until at least the end of the 2024 season.
Mitchell, 26, made his first grade debut off the bench in round eight of 2022, having shed significant weight over the summer in the pursuit of his NRL dream.
He finished the year with two more NRL appearances to his name and played alongside his brother for the first time in the Rabbitohs' round-17 defeat of Newcastle.
"I'm very happy to be here for the next two years. South Sydney feels like home to me," Mitchell said.
"Souths gave me the chance to make my first grade debut which I will never forget and I can see a way forward here at this club.
"This contract allows me and my little family to have some stability, I can look after my three little ones, and I can concentrate completely on my footy."
Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison is confident Mitchell can challenge the likes of Junior Tatola, Thomas Burgess and Hame Sele for chances in the middle next season.
"Shaq's best football is certainly in front of him and his commitment to the club and his body shows he has the maturity to play more NRL at the Rabbitohs this coming season and next," he said.
The Rabbitohs now turn their attention to keeping marquee men Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook and Cody Walker under the one roof beyond 2023.
The trio have been able to negotiate with rival clubs for 2024 since November 1 but have previously expressed their desire to remain together at Redfern.
All three command hefty pay-cheques but increases to the salary cap expected to be announced as part of the new collective bargaining agreement could help the Rabbitohs' bid to retain their stars.
The NRL and RLPA are currently brokering the terms of the new CBA, which will cover seasons 2023-2027, with details expected imminently.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers have announced the arrival of utility Will Smith on a one-year contract.
An Indigenous All Stars representative, Smith has played the bulk of his 84 NRL appearances for Parramatta in between stints with Penrith and Gold Coast.
The 30-year-old finished the year at English Super League club Hull FC after being granted an early release from his Titans deal.
Smith will provide an extra option in the spine for new head coach Tim Sheens, who began welcoming players back for pre-season last week.
"Will is a talented player who can cover a lot of positions," Sheens said.
"His experience will be very helpful because we have such a young squad."
Elsewhere, Manly have re-signed prop Morgan Boyle in preparation for the arrival of new head coach Anthony Seibold.
Boyle has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons, playing only three games across the past two years.
With his new one-year deal, the 26-year-old joins Jake Trobjevic, Sean Keppie, Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai as an option in the middle for next season.
Australian Associated Press
