Flannery contract boosts Roosters

Newly re-signed Roosters star Chris Flannery says a massive weight has been lifted off his shoulders ? after the popular back-rower inked a new three-year deal yesterday with the club he joined as a fresh faced Queensland junior.

The 25-year-old became the second high profile Roosters star to extend their contract this year, after inspirational halfback Brett Finch committed to the club until the end of 2007 last month.

Currently in camp with Queensland, Flannery says the decision to stay was a ?massive relief?.

?As much as you try and put it away, it plays on the back of your mind a little bit,? he said.

?It means I can now just focus completely on the Roosters and trying to get us another premiership.

?The club has a great future, I?ve had a great time since coming here and I know that will continue.?

Flannery?s announcement was greeted with smiles all round at Roosters training this morning.

?It?s top news ? we knew he had a few other clubs chasing him, so it?s a big boost for the club to get him on deck for the next few years,? halfback Brett Finch said.

?The guy can play anywhere ? who wouldn?t want a player that has played just about every position except front-row?

?He?s been a bit of a Mr Fix-it for us, but with ?Ricko? retiring I think he?ll have a good crack at cementing the number 13 jumper next year.

?It?s a tough time of the year for every club ? we?ve obviously lost a couple of guys this week ? so this has given everyone a lift.?

Powerhouse prop Ben Hannant said: ?Personally, I?ve been able to learn a lot of ?Flanno?.

?We both came to the club as young guys from the Gold Coast, so it?s been great to have him as a role model.

?He?s very professional and a tough bugger, so it?s great news for the whole joint.?