Harlequins props Karl Temata and Daniel Heckenberg, along with centre Matt Gafa, have extended their stays in London by renewing their contracts at Twickenham Stoop.

Kiwi Temata, 29, has signed a two year deal that will see him stay at the club until the end of 2010.

Australians Heckenberg, 28, and Gafa, 29, have both committed to Quins RL for the 2009 season with Gafa agreeing to an option for a second year.

Gafa, who is currently out for the remainder of the season following an operation to correct a serious pectoral injury, earned himself a new contract with his impressive start to the season. His 10 early tries saw him quickly become Harlequins RL’s leading try scorer.

Heckenberg, who has been sidelined for much of this season with a shoulder injury, made his come back last weekend with strong performances for both the Harlequins RL Reserves and first team.

Harlequins Rugby League Head Coach Brian McDermott is pleased to be retaining such an important part of his core group of players, saying:

“As well as promoting our young English players we want to keep some continuity in our team.”

“These guys have been three of our top performers over the last 18 months and I am really pleased that we are keeping three players that care deeply about our club.”

This announcement follows the recent confirmation that McDermott himself as well as long-time Harlequins and London Broncos player Jon Wells have also committed their future to the club.