The Chiefs confirmed they have retained the services of 21-year-old star Damian McKenzie for another two years.
Full-back McKenzie has been key in the Chiefs' table-topping resurgence this season, leading the competition in tries and points scored while being widely touted for an All Blacks call-up when Wales tour New Zealand in June.
McKenzie was signed up by the Chiefs after impressing at the junior world championships in 2014 and his new deal will keep him at the Hamilton-based club until the end of the 2018 season.
"We're absolutely rapt that Damian's committed here long-term," said Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.
"He's an impressive young man - competitive and resilient with a skill-set to rival anyone in the competition. He plays with a free spirit, is courageous and is a pleasure to coach."
At 5'8", McKenzie is relatively small among his peers, but has impressed with his defensive prowess. One act that stood out was a try-saving tackle on Crusaders' Nemani Nadolo in February that sent the powerful Fijian flying over the touchline.
He has also become renowned for breaking into a toothy grin every time he lines up a shot at goal. The smile, described as 'scary' by one Australian rugby pundit, has been flashed countless times in racking up 120 points after 10 rounds of the season.
"I don't want to change my routine but I'm getting a bit of stick for it at the moment," McKenzie said last month. "A few people are telling me that I look like a bit of a creep."
The Chiefs play the defending champion Highlanders this Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2HD from 8.30am.