2016 NT Thunder captain, Shannon Rioli will honour the two-year contract he signed with the Club at the end of the 2015 season and pull on the boots again for Thunder in 2017.

2016 vice-captain and steadfast fullback Justin Beugelaar will join him after putting pen to paper yesterday.

At only 25-years of age, Rioli had a standout first season as captain, playing 17 games and finishing equal fifth in the NT Thunder Club Champion awards.

A fan favourite for his fancy footwork and can-do attitude, he is a 2011 and 2015 Premiership player and will play his sixth season for Thunder next year.

Beugelaar, 26, who had an injury-interrupted year for the NEAFL side, will line-up for his fifth season in 2017.

Recognised as a versatile defender and on-field leader, Beugelaar was referred to by AFLNT Football Operations Manager Joel Bowden as an important member of the team.

“Beugelaar has a great work ethic, which sets the right example for the younger guys. He has really stepped up the past couple of seasons to give us some stability down back and lead from defence.

“Shannon embodies everything NT Thunder is about. He has the right attitude, commitment and skill and wears the NT Thunder jumper proudly.

“We are certainly pleased that both these guys have signed on for 2017,” Bowden said.

While the search for a new head coach gets underway, Bowden is positive that key signings can continue.

“A new coach will have his own ideas about the team and players but there are some guys who would be on the list regardless,” he said.