Elliott Whitehead signs contract extension with Canberra Raiders

England forward Elliott Whitehead has extended his contract with Canberra Raiders until the end of 2018 after a positive first season in the NRL.

The 26-year-old former Bradford second rower has been an ever-present for the high-flying Raiders since joining them in the close season from Catalans Dragons.

Whitehead was under contract to the end of 2017 but has followed the example of team-mate Josh Hodgson, the former Hull KR hooker, in committing his future to the Raiders for at least two more years.

"We are building something really good at the club at the moment and I want to be part of that," Whitehead said. "It was an easy choice for me to extend for another year.

"I feel like I have adapted very well to the NRL now. Hopefully I can keep improving as a player and keep helping the team out week in, week out."

Raiders recruitment and high performance manager Peter Mulholland said: "Elliott has shown in his first season in the NRL that he is up to the standard of the competition and has produced some wonderful football for the club.

"He's played all but two minutes of his first season in the NRL which is a huge achievement. We believe we are still to see the best from Elliott and we're really looking forward to seeing what he can produce for the rest of this season and the next two."