The St George Illawarra Dragons announce that Captain Ben Hornby has today agreed to terms with the Club for a further three years, until the end of the 2013 season.
The Corrimal junior has played 223 NRL games since his debut in Round 23 of season 2000 against the Panthers and has led the Club to back-to-back Minor Premierships.
The 30-year-old always wanted to remain in Wollongong with his family and be a one Club man.
I've been here my whole career and the thought never really crossed my mind to play anywhere else and hopefully I'll finish my career here, Hornby said. We have a great bunch of guys here and enjoy each other's company so I believe we have a good opportunity not only this year but also over the next couple to do something special.
Hornby has missed only one game over the past two seasons through illness and is enjoying his football as much as ever.
I'm really enjoying my footy and my body feels really good at the moment and I've had a good run with injuries over the last few years so hopefully that continues in the future and I can continue to play a lot of footy, he added.
Coach Wayne Bennett is happy that Hornby has chosen to remain at the Dragons.
I am elated that Ben has re-signed with the Club, it is only right that he should finish he career at the Dragons, said Bennett. Ben is a pleasure to work with and had done an exception al job as Captain over the past two seasons.
His play at halfback has added an extra dimension to our team and it is great news for everyone involved with the Dragons that he is remaining at the Club.
Dragons CEO Peter Doust was equally as delighted to see the local junior remain at the Club.
Ben is a special player and special person at the Dragons, said Doust. The attributes he brings to the Club both on and off the field are exceptional and we are delighted that he has chosen to remain at the Dragons.
...............Hornby is one of my many favourites, just behind Young & Scott, on even par with Cooper, Creagh, Nightingale, Boyd, Weyman etc etc
