Despite other offers, former Australia batsman Katich has signed a new five-year deal with NSW, while Rohrer and Forrest have been offered full contracts for the first time.

Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert has declared he is happy Katich decided to stay on and believes the skipper's presence will help the Blues avenge their loss in the Pura Cup final to Tasmania last season.

"We're delighted that Simon will stay in NSW. After losing his Cricket Australia contract he had other offers but his retention was a top priority for us. We're expecting a big season from him this summer," Gilbert said.

Katich's manager Robert Joske said the left-handed batsman is also pleased to be staying in NSW.

"Cricket NSW has put an enormous amount of faith in him and Simon is looking forward to repaying that faith on the pitch in the coming seasons," said Joske.

"It's very pleasing to sign a long-term contract that will provide stability for both Simon and NSW into the future."

Rohrer and Forrest, meanwhile, have been offered full contracts after showing some impressive form last season.

Left-handed batsman Rohrer made a century in his first Pura Cup match last season and also played in the final against Tasmania while making 1157 runs at 57.85 for Fairfield-Liverpool in grade cricket.

For Forrest, the full contract comes after three seasons as a Blues rookie.

In other changes to the squad, rookie John Hastings has transferred to Victoria while Daniel Christian, Murray Creed, Tim Lang, James Packman, and Grant Roden were not offered contracts for this season.

NSW Squad 2007/2008
Aaron Bird
Doug Bollinger
Mark Cameron
Beau Casson
Ed Cowan
Scott Coyte
Peter Forrest
Nathan Hauritz
Moises Henriques
Simon Katich
Grant Lambert
Greg Mail
Matthew Nicholson
Aaron O’Brien
Ben Rohrer
Craig Simmons
Daniel Smith
Dominic Thornely

Rookies
Tom Cooper
Philip Hughes
Usman Khawaja
Stephen O’Keefe
Martin Paskal
Steven Smith
David Warner

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