Super 15 season 2015: scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker signs on as Melbourne Rebels lock in young stars

MELBOURNE Rebels continue to lock away their young guns with emerging scrum half Nic Stirzaker signing on until the end of 2017.

National Rugby. Championship, Melbourne Rising v North Harbour Rays at AAMI Park, Nic Stirzaker splits the defence of (l) Matt Lucas and (r) Greg Peterson to score. Melbourne. 24th August 2014. Picture : Colleen Petch.

MELBOURNE Rebels continue to lock away their young guns with emerging scrum half Nic Stirzaker signing on until the end of 2017.

Stirzaker, who has played 24 Super Rugby games, said he never thought twice about going anywhere after two years in the Melbourne system.

“It has been a good few years down here and I look forward to continuing that,” he said.

“It was a pretty easy decision, really.

“I like playing footy down here and I really like the boys.

“It’s a really good group and I think we’re just building and I want to be a part of it in the future.”

The signing comes a week after Wallabies prop Laurie Weeks also penned a new two-year deal.

Stirzaker, 23, said Weeks’ desire to stay signified the growing confidence of the playing group.

Nic Stirzaker said Laurie Weeks’ desire to stay signified the growing confidence of the playing group.

“Last year was disappointing, but we just need to keep improving,” he said.

“I think we have got the right guys to do that.

“When someone like Laurie Weeks, who is a Wallaby, re-signs this early it puts a lot of confidence in the way the group is headed.”

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said he is thrilled to have Stirzaker recommit to the club.

“Keeping Nic in Melbourne for an extended period has certainly been a retention priority for us,” McGahan said.

“We’re very pleased he shares our vision for the future at the Rebels, and securing him until 2017 will certainly help us in our quest to achieve that.

“Nic continues to show that he is capable of improving his game.”