New deal for “one of the first names on the team sheet” at Hull

Hull coach Brett Hodgson says forward Ligi Sao is one of the first names on the team sheet every week after the Samoan was handed a two-year contract extension.

Sao, 29, missed just two games in 2021 and is the latest player to commit his future to the MKM Stadium.

He said: “The new contract takes me into my third and fourth year at the club, and I couldn’t be happier to be extending my stay here.

“Me and my family are settled here in Hull, and both them and myself being happy is really helping my performances on the field – I feel like I put my best foot forward last season, and have still got more to give for this club.”

“As a squad, we weren’t where we wanted to be last season, but we understand as a group where we went wrong and have regrouped going into 2022.

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Team-mates Jake Connor and Manu Ma’u have recently agreed new deals, while Hull have also signed Darnell McIntosh and Fiji hooker Joe Lovodua.

Sao arrived at Hull from New Zealand Warriors ahead of the 2020 season and has turned into a fans’ favourite.

Coach Hodgson said: “Ligi Sao is one of the first names on the team sheet every week. His consistency on the field over the last season shows you exactly why – he’s a really important asset to our pack, and the group as a whole.

“He brings energy and enthusiasm to the group, which to us in terms of culture is just as important as his ability with the ball in his hands.

“I’m certain there’s still more to come from him over the next two seasons having seen vast improvements in his game over the course of the last 18 months.”