League: Elijah Taylor re-signs with Tigers

Elijah Taylor will stay with the Wests Tigers until the end of the 2020 season. Photo / Getty Images

Former Kaitaia College pupil Elijah Taylor has re-signed with the Wests Tigers on a three-year deal.

The vice-captain will remain at the club until the end of 2020 after quickly showing his worth to the side after joining them in mid-2016.

Taylor said that he was looking forward to the coming three years with Wests Tigers.

"It was definitely a decision that I took my time with as I'm getting older now but I'm really happy that it's done now," said Taylor.

"Ivan [Cleary] coming in as head coach was a big factor in me deciding to stay. He's an experienced coach and has coached me at both the Warriors and Penrith, he's the reason I moved to Australia, knowing what kind of coach he is, what his principles are and the way he likes to play football was probably the biggest factor.

"We're building a good culture here at Wests Tigers and I'm really looking forward to the next three years.

"I'm really excited about the future here, there are a lot of new faces coming, we're really building something special."

The utility player, who spends the majority of his time at either hooker or lock, had been in talks with the New Zealand Warriors about returning to his original club but ultimately decided against the move.

Cleary said that Taylor's experience would be valuable to the club in the coming seasons.

"Elijah is a player that others love to play alongside," he said.

"No task is beneath him and he always puts the team before himself.

"Our fans can look forward to seeing Elijah's game blossom in the coming years, Elijah will play a pivotal role in the future of the Wests Tigers."

The re-signing of Taylor continues a good recruiting period for the club following a tough period for the franchise after losing three of their "big four" in prop Aaron Woods, standoff Mitchell Moses and fullback James Tedesco.

The Tigers have signed new talent in former Warriors back Tuimoala Lolohea, standoff Josh Reynolds, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino and Chris McQueen.

Taylor is looking forward to continuing to be a senior player on a young Tigers side.

"You learn a lot as you go on your journey in your career, I've learnt a lot being through the Warriors and Penrith systems," said Taylor.

"I've seen a lot on and off the field, probably those things off the field have made me a lot smarter and wiser in decision-making and I have a lot of experience that I can pass on to the younger guys coming through here at Wests Tigers."