Veteran handed NRL lifeline with surprise move after grand final

After playing a key role in Newcastle’s shock run to the 2026 grand final, veteran forward Tyson Frizell has extended his career for another season after signing a one-year deal with the Wests Tigers.

Frizell was uncontracted throughout this season and appeared destined to finish up in the NRL until the Tigers intervened.

Fletcher Sharpe celebrates a try. Getty Images

The former NSW and Kangaroos star has played 306 NRL games across stints at Cronulla, St George Illawarra and the Knights.

He will add much needed experience to Benji Marshall’s team, mentoring a talented group of forwards headlined by Terrell May, Fonua Pole, and Samuela Fainu.

The Tigers lost their way in the second half of the 2026 season, sliding in alarming fashion after star half Jarome Luai announced that he’d be triggering an exit clause in his deal to join the PNG Chiefs.

After looking like genuine finals contenders in the first two months of the season, the Tigers finished 15th with only the Dragons and Titans below them.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon announcing Frizell’s signing, Marshall, who shared a dressing room with Frizell at the Dragons from 2014 to 2016, described him as “the most professional player I’ve ever seen”.

“To play the amount of footy he has and still compete at the highest level of the game at his age is a credit to the way he prepares and goes about his business,” Marshall said.

“Tyson will be invaluable in terms of the leadership he will bring to our younger guys. He will show people here what first grade preparation looks like week in, week out.

“Tyson doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to that kind of stuff.”

In the same statement, Frizell described the move as “an exciting opportunity”.

“There’s a lot of exciting young talent coming through,” Frizell said.

“I’m hoping I can add some value through my experience and leadership, both on and off the field.”