Sika Manu and Mark Minichiello sign new one-year Hull FC deals

Tonga international Sika Manu has become the ninth player to extend his stay with Hull after signing a new contract for 2019.

Manu, who is currently serving a three-match ban, has joined fellow back-row forward Mark Minichiello in signing a new one-year deal.

A former World Cup winner with New Zealand, Manu has made a big impact since joining the Super League club from Penrith in 2016, having been named player of the year in 2017.

Hull said they fought off competition from both Super League and the NRL to retain his services.

Manu said: "Me and my family are really happy to have secured my future for 2019.

"This club is in a great place at the moment and I believe we're in a good position to continue our progression over the next few years and get to a Grand Final.

"This city has been great for us. We love it here in Hull - the people are really friendly, particularly the Hull FC supporters. It has definitely played a role in my decision.

Hull coach Lee Radford said: "I'm delighted to have Sika tied down for next season. You see Sika's value when he's on the field for us.

"He has still got the aspirations to compete and be successful at the highest level, so to fend off serious competition for his services from the NRL is really pleasing."

Meanwhile, Minichiello will play on beyond his 37th birthday after signing his new contract.

He has made more than 100 appearances for Hull since joining them from Gold Coast Titans and was in their back-to-back Challenge Cup winning teams.

"Mini's quality was never in doubt when he joined the club," Radford said. "He's been huge on and off the field since 2015.

"Mark is the most professional player I have ever come across and right up there with the likes of Craig Fitzgibbon and Richard Swain.

"He does some outlandish things to get those one-per-cents to give us an advantage, like sleep patterns for example, but it works for him so credit to him. He's 36 and in great condition, so he's doing something right."