Dowes ends speculation over future

Correspondent

Hull prop Ewan Dowes has ended speculation over his future by agreeing to a new one-year deal with the club.

Dowes, 29, has been in lengthy negotiations with the Airlie Birds in recent months, but has finally put pen to paper on a new deal.

He said: “I am really happy to have signed again, it is a great club with a proud history and plenty of ambition and I want to be part of that.

“When you have been at a club for eight years it is very hard to turn your back on them and during that time I have some really good memories, two Cup Finals and a Grand Final and I think, as a lot of the lads do, that we have a real chance of doing that again.”

Dowes signed for Hull in 2003 following a spell holding a dual-code registration with Leeds Rhinos and rugby union side Leeds Tykes.

Cumbrian born, Dowes missed just two games in the 2010 season and has racked up a total of 217 appearances for the Black and Whites.

Head Coach Richard Agar said: “Ewan has been a consummate professional and committed performer during his time at the club and a good servant to Hull FC.

“It was a good deal for us in which we have retained a player with vast experience and a passion for the club.”

Dowes is one of only four players remaining in the current side who were part of the squad that last tasted glory in the 2005 Challenge Cup Final.