Whitehaven have tied down fan favourite Dion Aiye for another three years at the LEL Arena.
The 34-year-old former Papua New Guinea international has signed a new deal which will keep him with Haven until the end of 2025 and complete 10 years at the club.
A popular player with supporters since joining the club ahead of the 2015 season he has racked up more than a half century of tries as he is now into his eighth season at the club.
After Aiye had signed the deal, head coach Jonty Gorley said: “Dion signing for the next three seasons is a massive boost for us. We need players of his calibre if we are to try to keep on improving.
“Everyone sees every week what Dion brings to the team as we are 100 per cent a better team when he is on the pitch. His carries are strong and defensively there’s no-one better. He is a bit of an x-factor for us and teams are wary when he plays.
“As a coach he is great to have in the squad as there are no negatives with him. Even though he’s not as young as he was, he is still one of the fittest and best trainers we have. He just goes out and does a job every time he trains and plays.”
Club director Ashley Kilpatrick said: “It’s amazing news to have Dion signed on for the next three seasons which will take him to a decade at Whitehaven.
“What more can be said about Dion? He’s often our go-to man, while his defence, attack and character off the field have made him a fan favourite.
“I think having Dion tied down for the next three years shows our intent going into next season to help us push into that top eight.”
