Houghton New Deal

HOUGHTON PLEDGES LONG-TERM FUTURE TO HULL

A big week of positive news announcements has continued on the eve of the Super League play-offs, as Hull star Danny Houghton has agreed a new contract to the end of 2017.

The Black and Whites’ in form hooker, who recently claimed the club’s Players’ Player of the Year Award for the second year in a row, has been one of Super League’s stand-out performers this season and despite being under contract he has been rewarded with an even longer deal.

The England Knights man is seen as a future international star and potential Hull FC captain and he admits he has never looked beyond the KC Stadium as the place he wants to play.

“I’m really settled here, it’s my home-town club, we’ve just started a family and I just love playing for the club,” said Houghton, who was a Hull fan as a youngster and Super League’s top tackler last season.

“People often ask me about my ambitions personally and hopes to play for England, but I believe that will all take care of itself by being part of a club that now has big ambitions and intentions to really make a significant challenge in the league and cup.

“We’re all aware as players as to what the club wants to achieve and the changes that have been made and if I am playing well in a winning team, then hopefully I can kick on for England too.

“I’m learning a lot from the coaching staff and the players around me and hopefully they can see I’m making a difference to the team as well.”

He added, “It’s a really exciting time for everyone at the club, none more so than big matches like this weekend, so I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Houghton has proven to be Hull FC’s most consistent performer in recent seasons, claiming the plaudits for some stunning and influential displays at No.9, often playing for the full 80 minutes week after week.

His form was rewarded with a call-up to the England Knights squad last year, whilst FC head coach Peter Gentle believes full honours aren’t too far away.

“He is without doubt a future international at the highest level and he must be very close to receiving a call-up to the full England squad,” said Gentle, who knows more than most what it takes to be a rugby league international having been assistant coach to the Australian national team.

“That is why we want to keep him here, he is one of the country’s brightest talents and players like that don’t crop up everyday.

“His attributes on the field are second to none, his work ethic is astonishing and despite being just 23 he is a great leader for us.

“He makes a notable difference to our team when he is playing and he is a huge loss when he isn’t, which is the sign of a quality player.

“He is influential and very passionate about playing for the club, something which rubs off on the players around him.

“Already we’re seeing the benefit of his experience in the younger players in the squad, whilst I’m sure he’ll be a candidate for Hull FC captain in years to come.”

It’s been a rapid rise to fame for Houghton having been forced onto the scene as a young 18-year-old back in 2007 as injuries took their toll, yet he has never looked back, developing into one of the best hookers of the Super League era.

His early initiation has seen him gain valuable experience and it wasn’t long before he claimed the hooking role all for himself, even climbing the pecking order ahead of former Australian and State of Origin no.9 Shaun Berrigan.

Since his debut,, he has made 138 appearances and scored 16 tries.