Salford Red Devils forward Luke Yates has signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
This follows yesterdayβs announcement that Red Devils captain Lee Mossop has also committed his future to the club until the end of the 2022 season.
Yates said: βI really believe in Watto (Ian Watson) and the clubβs vision and Iβm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their success going forward.
βOnce I got here, we started talking pretty early about extending my stay and the consistency this brings should help me perform at my best.
βItβs great to have Moose staying throughout that time too. Heβs massive in the middle and has been dominant in the front-row for a long time.
βNow we can progress our relationship in the pack together, as I establish myself as a leader.β
He added: βWatto extending his stay was crucial to my decision.
βHeβs a great technical coach and thatβs the style that seems to get the best out of me.
βWeβre focused on establishing the team in the conversation of clubs competing to win things and I want to win silverware in my time here.β
The 25-year-old has made an impressive start to his Red Devils career, ranking among the Betfred Super Leagueβs top ten tackle makers for the 2020 season so far.
Watson said: βLuke is an important signing for us.
βIβm sure everyone has already seen the work ethic and passion that Lukeβs displayed this season and heβll only get better over the next couple of seasons.
βIβm really happy that weβve secured his services and I have the opportunity to work with Luke going forward, as his energy is infectious and over the next few years Iβm sure heβll grow into a strong leader within our team.β
Salford Red Devils supporters can support the continued recruitment of players for Watsonβs side by becoming squad builders.
Director of rugby and operations Ian Blease said: βLuke has quickly become a significant piece in our clubβs rebuild this year and Iβm delighted to have him onboard for the next two years.
βIβm really pleased Luke has chosen to stay with the Red Devils, as heβs been a credit to the club since he arrived at the start of the season.
βLukeβs work ethic on and off the pitch is outstanding and he will now continue to thrive and improve as a player under Coach Watsonβs guidance.β
Red Devils supporters can relive all of Yates’ appearances for the Salford by signing up to the clubβs video subscription service RDTV.
Fans can also support the club during the suspended season by joining the Devils Draw lottery.