New Hull deal for Houghton
Hull have handed a new two-year deal to young hooker Danny Houghton.
The 21-year-old’s current deal was due to expire at the end of this season but he has now signed a new contract which will see him remain at the KC Stadium until at least the end of the 2012 season.
Speaking to www.hullfc.com, Houghton said, “I am over the moon and I was really delighted to get called in so soon to sort out a new deal and there was no hesitation.
“I was brought up here, it is where I want to be and I want to be here as long as I can be,” he added.
“As a boy, it was always my dream to play for Hull, it was all I ever wanted to do and to realise that when I signed my first pro deal was amazing.
“To be offered another two-year deal is fantastic and I am determined to repay the faith the club have shown in me by improving as a player and doing the best possible job I can for Hull FC.”
The former East Hull half-back is a talented product of the prospering Hull FC Academy set-up where he developed in to a first-grade half-back.
Under the tutelage of NRL star hooker Shaun Berrigan, Houghton has gone on to play 72 games for the Black and Whites, used predominantly in rotation with the Australian International No.9.
From an early age his talent shone through and since agreeing a full-time professional contract in 2006, at the age of just 18, he has gone on to be a regular feature in the Hull line-up.
His commitment and hunger for first-team duties was epitomised that year when he turned down the opportunity to go on tour with the England Academy squad to focus on trying to claim a place in Hull FC’s first-team.
The Airlie Birds former Australian half-back Adam Dykes described Houghton as one of England’s stars of the future.
Hull FC head coach Richard Agar has been pleased with Houghton’s development over the last 24 months and he is delighted to have tied up a new deal for his young hooker.
“Danny is a terrific young professional, he has been progressing well and is an important member of our group,” he said.
“He is improving all the time and will be an integral part of our future plans and it is great for us to have another talented, home grown player like Danny committed to the club and proving his worth to Hull FC.”