Wakefield Wildcats: Captain Kirmond pens new two-year contract

The decision of the influential second-row to extend his stay at Belle Vue is a real fillip ahead of Sunday’s intriguing Magic Weekend tie with joint-leaders Catalans Dragons.

Long-serving Kirmond joined on a permanent deal from Huddersfield Giants in 2012 having initially had a successful loan spell with Trinity two years earlier.

He has developed into one of Super League’s best back-row forwards and showed his commitment to the club in 2013 when he could easily have left during their financial crisis.

Wakefield have won eight of their last nine games since Chris Chester took charge.

Kirmond, 30, said: “Having been here for six years now, the club, the fans and the rest of the boys mean a lot to me.

“Having seen some low times during my time here I genuinely feel the club is now in the best position it’s been in during my stay.

“It’s been great since Chris (Chester) came in and hopefully we can continue to work hard together to move forward.

“I’m delighted to sign this deal and look forward to the rest of this season – and hopefully finishing my career off as a Wildcat.”

Chester added: “It’s great we have signed up our captain for another two years; his performances have been outstanding in recent weeks and he will play a vital role over the next two seasons.”

Having crucially led bottom-placed Trinity to victory in the Million Pound Match against Bradford Bulls last season, sixth-placed Wakefield are now gunning for the other end of the table under Kirmond.

The ex-Featherstone player’s decision to stay illustrates the good vibes Chester has created and the belief that the once crisis-torn club has turned a corner.

Wildcats chairman Michael Carter added: “Danny loves this club and this is great news.

“He was extremely loyal in 2013 when we went through all of our troubles.

“He could have moved elsewhere in Super League and didn’t so I am really pleased for Danny and the club.

“It is another great step towards a stable squad for next year.”