Hull hooker pledges future to the Black and Whites

A good week for Hull FC has continued, with exciting, in-form hooker Danny Houghton, who was recently named the Player’s Player of the Year Award, signing a new deal, that will see him remain at Hull FC until the end of the 2017 season.

For Houghton himself, with the possibility of a future captaincy spot opening up, among other reasons, the man himself saying he could not imagine playing anywhere but the KC Stadium.

“I’m really settled here, it’s my home-town club, we’ve just started a family and I just love playing for the club,” said Houghton.

“People often ask me about my ambitions personally and hopes to play for England, but I believe that will all take care of itself by being part of a club that now has big ambitions and intentions to really make a significant challenge in the league and cup.

“We’re all aware as players as to what the club wants to achieve and the changes that have been made, and if I am playing well in a winning team, then hopefully I can kick on for England too.

“I’m learning a lot from the coaching staff and the players around me, and hopefully they can see I’m making a difference to the team as well.”

He added, “It’s a really exciting time for everyone at the club, none more so than big matches like this weekend, so I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

With Houghton in career-best form, Hull FC coach Peter Gentle believes that a call-up to the England Knights squad is not too far away for the talented player.

“He is without doubt a future international at the highest level, and he must be very close to receiving a call-up to the full England squad,” said Gentle.

“That is why we want to keep him here – he is one of the country’s brightest talents and players like that don’t crop up everyday.

“His attributes on the field are second to none, his work ethic is astonishing and despite being just 23, he is a great leader for us.

“He makes a notable difference to our team when he is playing, and he is a huge loss when he isn’t, which is the sign of a quality player.

“He is influential and very passionate about playing for the club, something which rubs off on the players around him.

“Already we’re seeing the benefit of his experience in the younger players in the squad, whilst I’m sure he’ll be a candidate for Hull FC captain in years to come.”