Double delight for Tigers

Wests have given themselves a boost ahead of the upcoming NRL season by extending the deals of second row Chris Heighington and prop Todd Payten.

The experienced duo, who have 402 NRL matches between them, have opted to renew their respective contracts, both of which were due to expire at the end of next season.

Payten has signed a one-year deal while Heighington, who was a member of the premiership winning Tigers squad in 2005, will remain with the club until 2013.

“One of the milestones I am looking to achieve is to play 300 NRL games,” Payten said, who has played 247 matches in the NRL.

“I do need a few things to go my way but I think it would be a pretty fair achievement for a front-rower to do that in his career.”

Heighington meanwhile, said he would love to extend his relationship with the club he started with in 2003.

“I’m very happy at Wests Tigers. I enjoy the Club and the camaraderie amongst the players, so it feels like home,” he said.

“I owe a fair bit to coach Tim Sheens and to the Club. Wests Tigers will always have first bite at keeping me. “