Whalley extends his stay in Perth

Western Force prop AJ Whalley has secured his future with the team beyond this season, signing off on a new deal with the Perth-based union.

Western Force prop AJ Whalley has secured his future with the team beyond this season, signing off on a new deal with the Perth-based union.

A popular figure with Force supporters, the larrikin tighthead prop from Grafton on the New South Wales north coast has signed on for the 2009 season, with an option to continue with the team in 2010.

The 25-year-old made his Super 14 debut in last year's epic first home victory for the Western Australian team against the Hurricanes at Subiaco Oval.

The former Australia Under-21 and Australian Sevens representative went on to record seven caps in his rookie year and has played in every game of the Western Force's 2008 campaign, starting all but two matches in the number three jersey.

Rugby Western Australia (RugbyWA) acting Chief Executive Mitch Hardy said Whalley was an important part of the team's plans going forward.

“AJ has been a mainstay in the matchday 22 since mid-way through last season and together with Pek Cowan, Troy Takiari and Keiran Longbottom forms an exciting young quartet of props at the club,” said Hardy.

Whalley, a foundation member of the Western Force, said he had no reason to look beyond Perth to continue his development as a player.

“Were on the way up. There's a good atmosphere in the club, a great bunch of blokes and we're playing some pretty good rugby,” said Whalley.

“The future looks good. Why wouldn't I want to stay here?”.

Whalley said the four props at the Western Australia club had moulded into a tight-knit group.

“Unlike the other Australian teams we don't have Wallabies props, but we're maturing as a group and developing at a good rate. We're holding our own at scrum time.”