The Canberra Raiders have tied up one of their brightest junior prospects with back-rower Jack Murchie set to re-sign until the end of 2020.
Murchie has trained with Ricky Stuart's top grade squad this summer after rising to Junior Kangaroos honours and playing NSW under 20s Origin last year, claiming man of the match honours for the Blues.
The 20-year-old Ulladulla product will also represent Australia in this weekend's Nines exhibition tournament ahead of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth games, featuring in an Adrian Lam-coached squad that includes young guns David Fifita (Brisbane), Scott Drinkwater (Melbourne) and Brendan Frei (Roosters).
Murchie's strong under 20s campaign for Canberra last year saw him named in the 2017 Holden Cup team of the year, with Raiders recruitment boss Peter Mulholland hinting that may translate into a top grade debut now that Murchie's future is sorted.
"We've come to terms and Jack has agreed to them, it's just a matter of finalising that deal now," Mulholland told NRL.com.
"We're hoping he'll have a first grade opportunity at some this year.
"But he's got to make that transition from underage football into open grade this year as well. It's a ways off yet but with some more improvement he could get a game or two under his belt this year."
The Raiders have a host of top line talent off-contract in 2018, including halves Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer and key forwards Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola, Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd.