Hull Kingston Rovers have announced that skipper Terry Campese has signed a new long-term deal with the club that could keep him at the KC Lightstream Stadium until the end of 2018.
The former Canberra Raiders half back has been one of his side’s stand-out players in the opening rounds of Super League XX and has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension, with the new deal also including an option for a third year.
Campese, who originally joined the Robins on an initial 12-month contract, had attracted interest from several other clubs but told www.hullkr.co.uk it was an easy decision to make after an enjoyable start to life at Rovers.
“We’re only seven games into the season but I think we’ve shown some good signs that we can do something this year. This club is definitely going places and I’m glad to be a part of it,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here since arriving in the New Year. The coaching staff have been excellent, the boys are a tight-knit group and I couldn’t ask for it to have run any smoother to be honest.
“That made it an easy decision in that I know what I’ve got here at Hull KR, how good the club is and how mad the fans are!
“The fans have been outstanding, they’re easily the best I’ve been involved with, particularly that East Stand after a good win. I’ve never heard sound like it and that’s one of the big reasons behind my decision to stay.
“Everybody is so passionate around the place and the city of Hull has been good to me as well. It reminds me of where I’m from back in Australia and I’m excited to stay here longer.”
An experienced half back who captained Canberra for three seasons before joining Hull KR, Campese racked up more than 100 appearances in the NRL during his career in Australia as well as earning representative honours with Australia, New South Wales and the Country Origin side.
Appointed as the club’s new captain by head coach Chris Chester shortly after his arrival in East Yorkshire, Campese has already proven to be an instrumental player for the Robins this season with a series of man of the match performances.
Chester said: “I’ve been hugely impressed with Terry since he arrived at the club and he is a pleasure to work with.
“He’s the leader of the group and a player that the other blokes look up to. He’s been instrumental in creating the culture that we currently have in the squad and he will have a huge role to play for us over the next few years.
“I’m sure having his future sorted will really allow him to focus on his family and his rugby and we’re really excited about extending his stay with us.”
Hull Kingston Rovers CEO Mike Smith added: “We see this as a real statement of intent from the club to tie a player of Terry’s calibre down to a new deal so early in the season.
“He has been a fantastic acquisition for the club not only with his performances on the field but also his leadership off the pitch.
“He epitomises what we want Hull KR to be about moving forwards and we are delighted that he sees his future with us here at the KC Lightstream Stadium for at least another two seasons.”
