Sydney Roosters veteran Craig Fitzgibbon has been offered another shot at the NRL in 2009, after today agreeing to terms for an extension of his contract to until the end of next year.
Fitzgibbon’s will be due for long service leave next year at the Roosters after joining the club in 1999 after seasons with the Illawarra and St George sides of the late 90’s.
Currently the captain of the Roosters, today Fitzy confirmed he always wanted to stay at the club for another year to work with the host of young stars currently in the Roosters ranks including Mitchell Pearce and Setaimata Sa. Obviously the recent return to form of both the Roosters and Fitzgibbon helped all parties, adding the happy environment at Bondi – new coach Brad Fittler has been a good fit and the side seems happy and stable.
“I’m thrilled that I can stay with the Roosters and am looking forward to the remainder of this season and 2009,†Fitzgibbon said.
“I’m glad the process is over and done with, it’s been a long process but my heart is with the roosters and I’m delighted to be staying here for another season.â€
“We are looking forward to a bright future and I want to be part of it with all the young players around at the moment.â€
The news caps after a big year for Fitzgibbon who has had to endure a lean run following the last of three consecutive grand final appearances for the Roosters in 2004.
Fitzgibbon’s led the Roosters into an almost certain finals appearance for the first time in four seasons, and also gained a recall to representative football with the NSW Blues and Country earlier in the year.