Cayless extends Eels deal

The Parramatta National Rugby League Club is pleased to announce that captain Nathan Cayless has today extended his playing contract until the end of the 2010 season.

“It is great to have my future settled with Parramatta and I can look forward to playing some great football. I’m a Local Junior and Parramatta is the only Club I have ever wanted to play for,” Cayless said.

“I regard it as an honour to pull on the Blue and Gold jersey each week and one that I do not take for granted. To be captain of this great Club is a tremendous honour,” Cayless added.

Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Denis Fitzgerald says it is a tremendous positive for the Club.

“This is further great news following the recent re-signing of Nathan Hindmarsh. Both players are wonderful leaders on and off the field and are well liked and admired by everyone connected to the Club,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Head Coach Michael Hagan says it is fantastic news.

“Nathan is a great leader who brings out the best in the team. He is looked up to by both the senior and junior members of the squad and his retention is a great boost in the lead up to the opening match of the season. Personally, I am delighted that I’ll be working with him for the next few years,” Hagan said.

Nathan Cayless has played 164 First Grade matches for Parramatta since making his First Grade debut in 1997. He has played 32 Tests for New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the Eels have announced that the Rugby Football League has granted Ian Hindmarsh temporary clearance to play in the NRL competition with Parramtta in 2007. The issue of a full clearance will be discussed at a tribunal hearing in Leeds on 27 March.

Hindmarsh left Super League club Catalans Dragons for personal reasons at the end of last season, but Catalans claim that he is still contracted to them.