Albert Kelly commits future to Hull

Hull half-back Albert Kelly has signed a new two-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2020.

Kelly, 27, had been linked with a return to the NRL but has now committed his future to the Airlie Birds.

He was named in the Super League Dream Team last season and was also nominated for the Man of Steel award.

Coach Lee Radford said: “I’m really pleased that he has decided to stay with us at Hull FC because there was genuine interest elsewhere, particularly in the NRL, so I’m chuffed to get him to stay here.

“We’ve wanted Albert to sign his contract for some time now. He’s a key part of the squad and keeping him is crucial in our efforts to win more silverware.

“I was simply honest with him. I told him that I really like having him around the place, and so do the rest of the boys. Whilst he’s an unbelievable player, he’s also a bundle of energy around camp, which is a great thing to have.”

Kelly arrived in Super League with Hull KR in 2015 before making the switch to their city rivals, and he won the Challenge Cup in his first season last term.

He said: “I’m very happy with the deal. I’m loving playing my footy here at Hull and I like the path that the club is taking towards success.”

“The coaching staff and the people in the background have made me feel so welcome here as well as my family, so I’m really excited to put in another two years with Hull FC.”

The deal was announced prior to Hull’s 36-12 win over Castleford on Saturday which lifted them in to the top four.