Hull FC back-rower Mark Minichiello has signed a new one-year contract extension with the Super League side.
The 36-year-old was out of contract at the end of the current campaign, but has now signed on for a fifth season with the Black and Whites.
He has made over 100 appearances for FC since joining from Gold Coast Titans at the start of the 2015 season.
Minichiello becomes the latest player to commit to the club, after utility back Jake Connor last week signed an extension until 2021.
The Australian, who captained Italy at the Rugby League World Cup last year, said that he was “delighted” to remain in East Yorkshire.
“Since I arrived here back at the start of 2015, the club has changed dramatically for the better. Everything is building nicely, and Lee [Radford] is creating a great culture here.
“I’m sure it’s going to continue in the same direction and I’m happy to be a part of that going forward. We have plenty of good people and players around the club and it’s great to be a part of it.”
Minichiello has helped Hull to back-to-back Challenge Cup wins, but he now has his sights set on helping them reach the Grand Final for the first time since 2006.
“I’ve already created some great memories here, but one of the key reasons I wanted to stay on was to try and help the side to a Grand Final appearance.
“I want to make sure I have the chance to achieve that, it’s something that I’ve never done in my career but I’m still keen to achieve.
“I believe the club are in a good position to do that, and if not this year, hopefully we can achieve it next season. We have the people here to be able to do and that’s why I wanted to go around again in 2019.”
He will be 37 when the 2019 season begins and could become the oldest player in Super League, but he still believes that he is in great shape.
“Most players are retired at my age but personally, I’m still feeling really physically fit. I’ve always strived to look after myself and luckily it seems to have worked and I’ve bought a few more years at the back end of my career.”
Coach Lee Radford praised Minichiello as “the most professional player I have ever come across”.
“Mini’s quality was never in doubt when he joined the club. He’s been huge on and off the field since 2015,” he added.
“He does some outlandish things to get those one percents to give us an advantage, like sleep patterns for example, but it works for him so credit to him. He’s 36 and in great condition so he’s doing something right.
“He’s head and shoulders above anyone else I’ve met with regards to how he prepares for a game. He’s brilliant to have around the club.”
