Hull FC back rower Richard Whiting has signed a two-year contract extension with the Super League club.
The 28-year-old, who has been at the KC Stadium club since he joined from Featherstone nine years ago, will now stay with the Airlie Birds until at least the end of 2016.
“This is my club, it’s my home and I am very proud to represent Hull FC,” Whiting told the club’s official website. “I have had a great 10 years with the club, but I am just as excited about the future now as I was when I joined in 2004.
“There have been some significant changes over the last few weeks which I know will be good for the club and I am looking forward to working with Lee (Radford) and the coaching staff.
“The players are excited about getting started under the new regime and I think we have the makings of a really good squad going into next season.”
Whiting has made 224 appearances for Hull across several positions and has scored 71 tries, 19 goals and two drop goals, and was granted a 12-month testimonial by the RFL after 10 years of service at the club in August.
He was part of the side who were beaten 16-0 by Wigan Warriors in August’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final at Wembley. Whiting added: “It’s a dream come true to earn a testimonial with the club, as it was to finally walk out at Wembley.
“Our aim now is to get back there and win and finally show we can become a consistent force in Super League. I can’t wait to play my part in that again next season.” Hull head coach Radford believes Whiting continues to show his worth in every game.
“He has shown why he is so valuable to us over the last few years, playing just about everywhere, and that versatility is something we don’t want to lose from his game,” Radford said.
“He is a student of the game and whilst he still has some good years left in the tank playing wise, I know he will have a bright future in the game long after he hangs up his boots.”
State of Mind would like to wish Richard all the very best in his extended contract at Hull FC