Warrington Wolves halfback Declan Patton has agreed a two-year contract extension until November 2020.
Patton, 23, progressed through the Wolves’ Scholarship and Academy system, making his first-team debut in 2015. He has made 54 appearances to date and has kicked 80 goals and crossed for eleven tries, including one in the last minute of Saturday’s Challenge Cup win over Wigan.
He was part of the League Leaders side of 2016 and made the starting line-up for the Wolves’ Super League Grand Final appearance of that year, crossing for a converted try.
Head coach Steve Price said: “I’ve been really pleased with Declan’s attitude and contribution to the team. He’s playing a really important part.
“I understand he’d like more game time but winning teams are all about team first and that’s what breeds success. He is playing a solid part in and around our team at the moment. Being a local junior, there is still being a lot of improvement in Declan for many years to come. He’s a player we did not want to lose. He had a lot interest from other clubs and I know he didn’t want to leave the club he loves.”
Patton added: “I love being here at Warrington. I’ve played my whole career here so it’s something I didn’t want to let go of.
“It’s taken a while but I’m really glad to have signed now. It gives me a bit of an extra buzz because I’m from the town too. I grew up playing for the club and watching from the stands as a youngster.
“It means a lot to play here and I’m made up to have signed for another two years. The hope of winning some silverware was a big reason for staying. With Steve Price having come in this season the project is only just starting. We’ve done well in recent years but fallen just short.
“With how the team is now it feels like we’re building something special and I don’t want to miss out on the next few years because I feel like something special is brewing.”
