GOLD Coast has locked up a crucial piece of its future, with 22-year-old ruckman Tom Nicholls re-signing until the end of 2016.

Nicholls has played 15 games for the Suns and quickly established himself as a vital cog, with his combination of outstanding tap-work and improved play around the ground.

After being recruited by Gold Coast as a 17-year-old access selection in 2010, the 201cm Nicholls came to prominence last year when he stepped in for the injured Zac Smith.

Despite a posterior cruciate ligament injury limiting his output to just six games this season, Nicholls, of Fijian heritage, is highly regarded and a central figure to the Suns' future success.

His recommitment for a further two seasons comes after the re-signings of Steven May, David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Sam Day and Brandon Matera earlier in the year.

Nicholls told goldcoastfc.com.au he was loving his time on the Gold Coast.

"We have a really close group of players and we are all excited in the direction the club is heading," Nicholls said.

"I’m looking forward to getting over my injury and playing consistent football in the near future.

"As a team we know we still have plenty of improvement and hard work ahead of us and hopefully we’ll reap the benefits of that in the coming years."

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General manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said Nicholls was a quality young man.

"He is well respected by his teammates and has started to build a reputation as an emerging leader internally," Ashcroft said.

"Despite a couple of injury setbacks he has taken significant steps forward in recent times and we look forward to his continued progression as a player."