Huddersfield Giants back row forward Brett Ferres has rejected advances from the NRL to remain with Huddersfield.

The England international has committed to the Giants future by signing an extension to his contract to tie him to the club until the end of 2019.

The 29-year-old, who has recently returned to the team after a serious ankle ligament injury, said: “Huddersfield have been very good to me and since being here I’ve moved into the England set up which was one of my aims.

“Also we’ve established ourselves at the top end of the table.”

The Castleford-born club vice-captain had two years remaining on his current contract, but had been the subject of other offers.

“I did have the option to go to the NRL at the end of this season, but with Huddersfield wanting me longer term and the security that brought with it to me and the family who are very settled here I was only too happy to stay,” said Ferres.

Brett Ferres in action against Castleford Tigers

“I’ve enjoyed being in the leadership group here and I am certain that we have a very bright future which I want to play a leading role in.

“This year we’ve not yet hit our straps consistently which is our challenge and longer term we have some International juniors boosting the squad who I hope I can set a good example for and who will ultimately come into the team.”

And Ferres is also looking forward to teaming up with Giants new signing for the 2016 camapign New Zealand international prop Sam Rapira.

“The signing of Rapira looks a great move for us and I hope that my commitment will help every area of the club going forward,” added Ferres, who has made 72 Giant appearances scoring 27 tries.

Giants head coach Paul Anderson was delighted with the decision of one of his key players and said: “Brett is an international quality player and every team needs those guys to lead and perform well both on and off the field.

“He is one of our go to men when we need a play and a leader and someone who would enhance any team in the competition.

“His retention long term is great news for the club and the UK Super League as a whole as we were aware of interest elsewhere in his services.”

Brett Ferres in action against Leeds Rhinos

Giants Managing Director Richard Thewlis said that Ferres’ choice to remain made a huge difference to the club’s longer term recruitment strategy.

“Brett initially signed for five years with us but with the option for overseas at the end of this year being in his favour.

“While away with England he like many others in the international set up attracted interest which we were kept fully in the loop with as we’d expect of one of our leading professionals.

“Indeed we see it as a sign of our enhanced reputation when Giants players are being closely monitored and are clearly of interest down under.

“Ultimately when Brett and his family decided to stay in the UK extending his time with us for two additional years to those already contracted seemed the logical move for all concerned and enables the club to have the security of one of our leaders .”