VIDEO: Powerhouse Pauli predicting trophies for young, developing Wakefield Trinity squad

The 23-year-old Australian joined Trinity from NRL outfit Newcastle Knights ahead of the current campaign on a one-season deal and has now extended that to the end of 2019.

Trinity are sixth in Super League, eight points adrift of the semi-finals places, but Pauli insisted they are a club on the up and will be in finals and competing for honours before long.

“The club is building,” insisted the giant front-rower who has played 15 times for Trinity and scored a try in each of their last three matches.

“We are only going to get better from now on. The boys are learning and they are starting to bond now. There’s no cliques in our team, we are a great team, we are a top-eight team and we are only building.

“We are still a young side, most of us are still growing and getting better as we go. Hopefully if we keep it up, in the next couple of years we’re going to be Grand Finalists.”

Pauli’s original contract was for one year, but he said he jumped at the chance to stay longer.

“It is good to be part of the club and it is a great opportunity to stay here next year,” he added. “It was a one-year deal and the second year was optional in my favour.I am glad I have got the opportunity to be back here.

“I am happy here, I love it. The people here are amazing and the boys here as well, they make me feel like I am at home, so it is good here.”

Super League’s attacking style has suited Pauli, who scored the final try in the 32-30 home loss to Warrington Wolves two days ago.

“I love footy, I just enjoy playing,” he said. “It’s not a job for me, it’s something I love to do. I love to attack, that’s a big part of my game, but at the same time I love to defend as well. I am all for the big hits.”

Trinity are four points ahead of ninth-placed Catalans Dragons and still not guaranteed a place in the Super-8s.

But Pauli felt the fightback against Warrington showed what they are capable of when they get their game together. Wakefield scored five tries to the visitors’ four, but had left themselves a little too much to do after trailing 20-0 inside 25 minutes.

Pauli said: “We started off a bit slow and that’s what cost us at the end of the day.

“The boys had a dig in the second half which shows our character and what a team we’re going to be in the next couple of years.”

Meanwhile, full-back Max Jowitt has also signed a new contract. The deal will keep the 21-year-old Wakefield academy product at the club until the end of 2021. Jowitt made his debut in August, 2014 and has scored nine tries in 46 appearances. He said, “I am really happy to have signed. Three years means I can cement my place here at the club and hopefully secure that full-back spot over the next couple of years.”

Coach Chris Chester said: “Max is a talented young player, he’s still only young and has so much more development and areas to grow as a player.

“He has stepped up over the past couple of months and there is a fantastic opportunity for him to secure his spot in the first team.”