Whiting earns new deal and testimonial

Hull utility Richard Whiting has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2016.

Whiting, 28, has been with the Airlie Birds since 2004, making a total of 224 appearances, scoring 71 tries.

He has been awarded a testimonial by the club and the RFL, which is due to start in December this year, and will include a friendly fixture during pre-season.

He said: “This is my club, it’s my home and I am very proud to represent Hull FC.

“I have had a great ten years with the club, but I am just as excited about the future now as I was when I joined in 2004.

“There have been some significant changes over the last few weeks which I know will be good for the club and I am looking forward to working with Lee (Radford) and the coaching staff.

“The players are excited about getting started under the new regime and I think we have the makings of a really good squad going into next season.

“It’s a dream come true to earn a testimonial with the club, as it was to finally walk out at Wembley.

“Our aim now is to get back there and win and finally show we can become a consistent force in Super League. I can’t wait to play my part in that again next season.”

Whiting previously played for Featherstone. He played in Hull’s 2005 Challenge Cup final win over Leeds, and the 2006 Super League Grand Final defeat to St Helens.

Coach Lee Radford said: “Rich was one of the first players I met with when I was appointed and we discussed various aspects of the club.

“He understands what it means to play for Hull FC, he understands the importance of making a significant contribution in every game you play and is an intelligent footballer.

“He has shown why he is so valuable to us over the last few years, playing just about everywhere, and that versatility is something we don’t want to lose from his game.”