The GIANTS have locked away a pair of promising rookies with ruckman Nick Madden and exciting medium forward Nathan Wardius both penning new deals.

Both selected as Category B rookies over the past 18 months, the new deals will see Madden remain a GIANT until at least the end of 2026 and Wardius through until the end of 2025.

A GIANTS Academy product recruited by the club in the 2022 Rookie Draft, Madden is a hulking 204cm ruckman who has spent the last 18 months developing under the guidance of ruck coach Shane Mumford alongside teammate Kieren Briggs and Braydon Preuss.

Hailing from Osborne in New South Wales’ Riverina region, the 19-year-old is an ultra-competitive ruckman who has impressive skills and ruck craft for a player of his age.

Madden is considered a long-term prospect for the club who, on the back of his hard work and potential, has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension.

Added to the GIANTS’ list as a Category B rookie at the end of last year, Wardius has had his contract extended by a further year after impressing over the pre-season.

A dynamic medium forward, Wardius impressed in the Hume League in New South Wales over the past three years where he kicked 149 goals in 49 games as a teenager.

A country boy who prior to joining the GIANTS spent two years working on his family farm in NSW, Wardius was a part of the GIANTS Academy until COVID complications saw him leave the program.

Along with his local football commitments, Wardius played two games for the GIANTS’ VFL side last year where his performances ultimately landed him spot on the GIANTS’ list.

GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, is thrilled to re-sign the talented teenage duo.

“We are really excited to extend the contracts of Nick and Nathan,” he said.

“We have a really exciting crop of young talent at the club, and we see the pair as players who can make an impact at senior level in the future so it’s great to have them both locked away.

“Nick has made great progression since his arrival at the club, and we believe he has the physical traits and the skills required to make it at this level.

“Likewise, it’s great to have Nathan locked away for another year as he’s another rookie that’s come in and really impressed since joining our list late last year.

“Nathan is a forward with great athleticism and great touch and feel for the game and we see him as a real x-factor that can really thrive in our professional environment.

“Having both of these boys recommit is exciting for the club as we enter what we hope is a really successful period of time for the GIANTS.”