Hunslet captain signs two-year deal

Hunslet captain Duane Straugheir has signed a new two-year deal at the South Leeds Stadium.

Straugheir, 28, joined the club at the start of the season from Sheffield and became captain when George Flanagan left for Bradford.

Coach Gary Thornton said: “This is a fantastic coup for the club to retain a quality player and a quality individual.

“Straff has had a  massive influence since his arrival from Sheffield and his professionalism and leadership has shone through.

“He was the natural choice to take over from George as captain when we lost him to Bradford and he has done a fantastic job in galvanising a new group of players together and leading from the front both on and off the pitch.

“He is well respected within the game and is highly regarded by many coaches and players.

“I’m delighted Straff has committed to Hunslet as there was competition from other clubs for his signature, and we can look forward to building a squad around him and build further on what we have done this year.”

Straugheir, who won two Championship Grand Finals with the Eagles, has scored eight tries in 20 appearances for Hunslet this season.

He said: “I’m over the moon to have penned a new 2 year deal at this historic club.

“It’s an honour to be club captain here at Hunslet. The lads, coaches and fans are all fantastic and I can’t wait to push on next year and keep improving as a club.

“For now though, it’s all about finishing this season on a high and making the play-offs.”

Straugheir is a product of the Bradford academy and has also played for Featherstone and York.