Hull FC forward Joe Westerman has become the club’s second key player to commit to a new long-term contract in the space of a week after agreeing a two-year extension with the Black and Whites.
Coming hot on the heels of a new deal for fans’ favourite Richard Whiting at the weekend and with more news expected imminently, Westerman has now penned a new deal that will keep him at the KC Stadium until at least the end of 2016.
Speaking to www.hullfc.com, the back rower said, “I am pleased to get my future tied down and it was an easy decision to make.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Lee (Radford), he’s a good coach and has an exciting vision for the club which you can already see him starting to mould into shape.
“The change in coaching staff has come at the right time for us and there is a new lease of life about the squad now ahead of pre-season.”
He added, “We all can’t wait to get back into training and push for a place next season. Competition for places is looking very strong, but personally I am focused on producing the best form of my career for Hull FC.”
Arriving from Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2011 season for an undisclosed fee, Westerman has made 77 appearances for Hull FC to date, scoring 23 tries and 46 goals.
A former Super League Young Player of the Year, the 23-year-old has also earned England Knights honours during his time at the KC Stadium and showed his versatility with spells at loose forward and as a wide running second rower last season.
Head coach Lee Radford added, “Joe is a natural footballer with bags of talent, something which he probably still hasn’t quite realised to its maximum potential yet.
“We’re looking for Joe within this deal to become a more consistent player and he knows that. We’ve seen glimpses of what he is capable of but we want to be seeing it week in, week out and that is a challenge Joe himself is looking forward to.
“This team is in need of leaders and that is something we also want to nurture out of Joe over the next three years. We want him to set an example and have an influence on the youngers guys in the squad, as well as offering leadership out on the field.”
