Tarek Elrich has put to pen paper on a new two-year extension that will see the Newcastle Jets defender remain at the club until 2012.

The 22-year-old was a trainee with Jets during the A-League's inaugural season before breaking into the first-team and now has 63 league appearances to his name.

"I'm still a young player, and we've got a lot of young talent at this club, and I'd like to help them out as much as I can, especially over the next few years, and guide them in the right direction," he said.

"I've been through tough times as a footballer in my short career and some of the young boys at this club are eventually going to go through the same thing. The club sees me as one of the more experienced players, so hopefully I can guide these kids and help them out as much as I can.

"On a personal note, it's been great for me, the past couple of years. I've learned so much and I think I've still got a lot to learn, especially on the pitch as a footballer, and with the help of Branko (Culina) and assistant coach Mark Jones hopefully I can better myself."

Boss Culina was delighted to retain Elrich's services.

"Not only is Tarek a terrific football player but he's a terrific ambassador for Newcastle Jets Football Club, and even though he's a Sydney boy I think he's a great ambassador for Newcastle," he said.

"Some of the things he does off the park that people don't necessarily see are just fabulous and it's a great example of what this club is all about and what this club wants to be. And that is a community club where players are willing to do things outside of their responsibilities as a football player."