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6 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Hull FC are delighted to announce that 2015 Supporters' Player of the Year Mark Minichiello has agreed a contract extension with the club, keeping him at the Black and Whites until at least the end of the 2017 season.
The Australian back-rower has agreed the new deal after a stand-out first year at the KC Stadium.
33-year old Minichiello, who has represented Italy on the international stage, joined the Airlie Birds ahead of the 2015 season after stints with NRL clubs South Sydney Rabbitohs and Gold Coast Titans.
Making 27 Super League appearances last year and scoring seven tries, he swept the board at the Player of the Year awards picking up the Supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and sharing the Player of the Year with Liam teammate Watts.
Speaking exclusively to hullfc.com, Minichiello said: "I'm pleased to get it all sealed off and I'm really excited about the next couple of years with Hull.
"It wasn't a hard decision at all. I sat down with my family and we all agreed we wanted to stay here.
"We're really settled here now and I believe the club has a big future that I want to be a part of.
"I want to win a trophy and I think we have a side here that can do that."
He added: "Hopefully we can play some good consistent football, get in the top four and then you never know what can happen."
Minichiello will be part of a formidable Hull FC pack in 2016 that has been further strengthened by new signings Frank Pritchard, Scott Taylor and Sika Manu.
Black and Whites head coach Lee Radford believes their additions will benefit Minichiello this year and told hullfc.com handing the Australian a new deal was an easy decision.
"It was a no-brainer on our part," Radford said. "The form he showed last year was fantastic and hopefully he'll better that in 2016.
"Last season, he was often on the field in games for longer minutes than what we would have liked but we didn't feel we had sufficient replacements on the bench on one or two occasions.
"That won't be the case this time around. He's got some great back-rowers with him now and that also means he'll have to perform.
"He'll benefit from having the new boys in the squad."
He continued: "Mini adds to us massively off the field with his professionalism. It's second to none.
"He's meticulous with his preparation for games and for our younger players, he is someone to look up to and learn from.
"He's now more comfortable amongst the group and has great leadership qualities. Hopefully now they'll come to fruition."