Ali Lauiti'iti Signs Till 2006

The Warriors have extended the contract of star forward Ali Lauiti'iti.

Lauiti'iti was contracted until the end of next season but Warriors CEO Mick Watson says with his efforts gaining attention from other NRL clubs, they have extended his deal through until the end of 2006.

Watson describes Lauiti'iti as almost the perfect athlete and says the line breaking forward will be one of the cornerstones of the club for the next four years.

The six foot three (1m 90) second rower leads the competition in offloads with 61 so far this season. Called the "Michael Jordan" of rugby league, Ali is a gentle giant. Surronded by children at Warriors home games, he believes in spreading the sporting word to the youngsters.

He has also scored seven tries in 17 games for the Warriors in 2002. He has led the statistics for offloads in a game for a considerable time this year.

The 23-year old said the opportunity to play NRL without having to leave home is too good to refuse.

He says his family life is very important to him and he says he's thankful to be able to live his dreams with the people who are close to him.