Cayless extends deal

Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless has extended his contract with the Eels until the end of the 2010 season.



The New Zealand international, who had the captaincy taken from him during the early part of 2006 by former coach Brian Smith, was due to finish his contract at the end of this season but has signed on for another three years at the west Sydney club.



"It is great to have my future settled with Parramatta and I can look forward to playing some great football," said Cayless.



"I regard it as an honour to pull on the blue and gold jersey each week and one that I do not take for granted. To be captain of this great club is a tremendous honour," he added.

Cayless' new contract comes on the back of the clubs' re-signing of Nathan Hindmarsh, with coach Michael Hagan looking forward to the Eels' round one clash with the Warriors on Saturday night.

"Nathan is a great leader who brings out the best in the team," said Hagan.



"He is looked up to by both the senior and junior members of the squad and his retention is a great boost in the lead up to the opening match of the season."



Cayless will be looking forward to a better 2007 though, with the skipper having the captaincy removed from him by Smith following a dip in form early last season while also suffering a season-ending eye injury during August.