Many clubs have been swift in tying down stars for 2024 such as Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and St Helens.
Leeds have tied down Ash Handley, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Lisone, Nene MacDonald and Justin Sangare.
Saints meanwhile have tied down Konrad Hurrell, Curtis Sironen and James Bell whilst Hull FC have tied down plenty of their home grown stars as well as Ligi Sao.
Warrington fended off NRL interest in George Williams with a new deal with Wigan have handed out deals to Brad O’Neill and Kaide Ellis recently.
Meanwhile, Wakefield Trinity, despite their relegation peril, have also nailed down Mason Lino and Max Jowitt.
They have now awarded a new deal to skipper and former St Helens backrower Matty Ashurst confirming he will be at the club in 2024.
Born in Wigan, Ashurst played the first five years of his Super League career in Lancashire, rising through the ranks with St Helens, making his first team debut for the Saints in a 38-12 victory over Salford Red Devils in 2009 before making the switch to Greater Manchester in 2012.
From there, a switch to Belle Vue beckoned for the second-rower, signing under the tutelage of Head Coach, James Webster, Ashurst went on to make six appearances in his maiden season with Trinity, with the club beating Bradford Bulls in the 2015 Million Pound Game.
Since then, Ashurst has gone from strength to strength, rising through the ranks to become one of Wakefield’s most prize possessions, penning a new two-year deal with the club back in 2021 before being made captain by Mark Applegarth in 2023.
Mark Applegarth commented: “I am delighted that Matty has signed up for another year, which leads him into his 10th and testimonial year with the club.
“He has been an outstanding servant to Wakefield Trinity. He gives his all every week and I am really pleased that he will be around for another 12 months.
Ashurst followed: “I’m really pleased to get the deal done and to be staying at Wakefield. I’ve been at the club a long time and I’ve always enjoyed my time playing here, so to get another year sorted which means I can just focus on playing rugby and the big end to the season is great.”
“I’ve always enjoyed my time here since I first came to Wakefield all those years ago. The club is full of great people and the fans have always made me feel at home, so it was an easy decision for me really.
“I’m also excited to be a part of the start of what is going to be a new beginning for the club.”
