LEIGH Centurions have agreed with Hull FC to extend Richard Whiting's loan deal until the end of the current season. Richard has also agreed a contract with Leigh Centurions until the end of the 2017 season.

A vastly experienced former England international and a huge crowd favourite with the Hull FC fans, Whiting has made eight appearances for the Club during his two month loan spell, making his debut against London Broncos in February and earning Heritage Number 1405.

Whiting is a vastly experienced and highly respected player who cut short a scholarship with Barnsley FC to begin his professional career with Featherstone Rovers, earning the accolade of National League One Young Player of the Year in 2003.

He joined Hull in 2004 and soon became a huge favourite of the fans for his ability, commitment and his consistent and versatile performances.

He famously scored an opportunist try in Hull's thrilling 25-24 Challenge Cup Final victory over Leeds at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 and was in the Black and Whites side defeated by St Helens in the 2006 Grand Final at Old Trafford.

He also made three international appearances for England between 2004 and 2006 and in his 14-year professional career has made 290 senior appearances and scored 85 tries, also kicking 36 goals and two drop-goals.

In 2014 he was granted a ten year testimonial with Hull FC and enjoyed a benefit game against Featherstone Rovers. He has also been involved coaching Hull FC's youth team and having regularly featured in supporters' Player of the Year awards is widely respected in the city.

Last season he scored three tries in 17 appearances for Hull FC, to take his tally for the club to 78 tries in 257 games.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "Richard is a great professional and has proved himself to be a big asset during his time with us. He is a very versatile player and has really enjoyed his time here.

"I know that in one way he will be sad to leave Hull after giving many years of valuable service to them but he is excited by the challenge at Leigh Centurions and ready to write a new chapter into his illustrious playing career.

"When he first joined us I said he hadn't joined us as a stop-gap but was a player of genuine quality who came highly recommended as a top professional who was low maintenance.

"He quickly adapted to being at our Club and through working hard and buying in to what we want to achieve we now have an end result that suits all parties."

Leigh Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: "I am really pleased we have been able to secure Richard's services and thank Motu Tony and the Hull club for assisting with this. Richard is the consummate professional and has really bought into what we are trying to do at the Club.

"He is well respected and well liked and has already earned the respect and praise of our fans with his performances on the field. He can now completely focus on assisting us obtaining Super League status so that he is back where he has always been as a player next year.

"I would also like to thank Karl Harrison for his professional assistance in putting this together. I am sure this news will be as popular with our fans as it is in the changing room and I have no doubt that the Hull FC faithful will wish Richard well in his new journey and keep an eye on how he gets on after his great service to their club."