Eorl Crabtree is determined to celebrate his new Huddersfield Giants deal by leading his hometown club to Super League XX victory at home to leaders Leeds Rhinos tomorrow night.
The 32-year-old prop has today agreed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the John Smith’s Stadium until the end of the 2017 season.
By the end of the deal, Crabtree will have spent 17 years with Huddersfield and increased the likelihood of him finishing his career as a one-club man.
But right now all he’s bothered about is helping the Giants beat Leeds and strengthen their position in the top four.
“As a child growing up, it was always my dream to play for Huddersfield,” said Crabtree, who helped his side gain Super League promotion in 2002.
“And 15 years in and almost 400 games later I’m excited that dream will be kept alive for a further two years.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far and the progression the club has made since I started playing, but I still feel my job isn’t done here yet.
“Who knows what the future holds, but for the next two years at least it is claret and gold.
“To be honest, I’m not even thinking about what happens in two years, it’s what happens tomorrow that really matters.
“It is a great test to play Leeds, although it’s one we’re definitely aiming to win,” said Crabtree,
“Leeds have set the pace this year but they have not really cut loose.
“While they have been good at times, they also have not been totally brilliant and that much better than the rest, so I think they’ll be very happy with where they are right now in the table.”
And Giants head coach Paul Anderson is also delighted with the news.
“Eorl does the hard yards down the middle week in week out for this club and is a highly respected player by everyone in the game,” he said.
“I played until 35 and there is no reason Eorl can’t do the same given the way rehabilitation and medical works at this club. “
