HUNSLET coach Kyle Trout says the club are keeping hold of another key player in captain Billy Jowitt.

The retention of the 25-year-old fullback or halfback for next season follows that of experienced stand-off Lee Gaskell as Trout looks to build on this year’s 13th-placed finish.

The innovative 35-year-old team chief has promoted a high-tempo reactive rather than process-driven style of rugby to which he feels Bradford Bulls product Jowitt and former Super League player Gaskell are well suited.

Jowitt will be hoping for a problem-free campaign after injuries restricted him to 20 appearances this year, with seven tries and 55 goals.

The son of former Hunslet forward Warren Jowitt, he was signed ahead of the 2025 season after 26 appearances for Bradford, where he came through the development system.

“Billy is key to us, and is someone who is all action when he’s on the field,” explained Trout.

“He has got a real passion for what he does, and he cares about the team and the club. He is a strong competitor who is always hungry to listen, improve and drive standards within the group.

“He had some poor luck with injuries this time, but with him fit and firing on all cylinders, I’m sure we will see Billy hit even greater heights than the standards he has set over the last two seasons.”

Jowitt said: “I have loved my time here from day one, I love the environment and the people at the club.

“This was a tough year with many ups and downs, and we were struggling for bodies for long periods at times, but I think the progress at the club both on and off the field is clear to see.”