Halfback Nic Stirzaker is a Melbourne Rebel until the end of 2017 after signing a new two-year deal with the Super Rugby club.
The 23-year-old has been earmarked as a future skipper after captaining the Melbourne Rising side in the National Rugby Championship this year.
He joins prop Laurie Weeks in committing to the club this month.
Stirzaker has made 24 Super Rugby appearances since joining the Rebels in 2012 and is in a tussle with veteran Luke Burgess for the starting halfback role.
Melbourne coach Tony McGahan said re-signing he speedy No.9 was a priority for the club.
“Nic continues to show that he is capable of improving his game and he has a wonderful attitude to his rugby,” McGahan said.
Stirzaker was excited to extend his stay in Melbourne and cited the closeness of the playing group as a key factor in his decision.
“We have a tight group, and I think we are going to keep improving on the field, he said.
“With the likes of Tom English, Luke Jones and Sean McMahon just finishing on the Wallaby spring tour, you can see that we have the right sort of guys to move forward and that can only be good for the club.”
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Assuming he's fit, Jack is my preferred starting 10 - Hegarty tried his heart out all season but look very uncomfortable most of the time, including kicking for goal. Jack was a revelation in the NRC. With Woodward gone, he shapes up in my book as the best long term option for both kicking AND chief playmaker*. * Although Dumper may prefer Mike H, particularly at the beginning of the season.
jameswm
Guest
I think how Debreczini gos could be crucial, assuming he plays 10 for the Rebels. Big unit, can take it to the line, put people through gaps and tackle, and has a massive boot. Not sure if he'll start though.
Jack
Guest
What about Frisby?
Sam
Guest
Great news. Will eclipse Phipps as he has a kicking game and can throw his passes without the double pump. Rebels should move out of the bottom 5 next season - good coach with good cattle
Nigel Imrie
Guest
What a coup for the Rebels, must agree he is second only to Phipps but Stirzaker has a better pass and is energetic, watched him improving his rugby education in Kiwi, should go all the way this boy!!
jameswm
Guest
If they've got Stirzaker, Weekes, Smith, Jones, Neville, McMahon, English, Inman, Debrezcini etc signed up for at least the next 2 years, they're going ok. Shame about Alo-Emile but we all know that... Shame about Pyle too - we can't afford to lose good tight 5 forwards.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Like this kid from the first time I saw him, I predict that he will go far, maybe sitting on the bench at WC time!!!!! I hope he develops during the next super season. The Rebels seem to have some faith in him as he was the ARCs Melbourne Rising captain. I think he has all the attributes to be better than the crop of SH we have at the moment playing for the Wallabies, I'd rate him ahead of White and level with Phipps and Genia right now.
Fin
Guest
He is a good prospect and another good show of faith for those around the Rebels. Bigger and Better 2015.