Henderson re-signs with Warriors

LAWRENCE SMITH/Sunday News

MULTI-NATIONAL: Warriors hooker Ian Henderson has resigned with the team for the next two years.

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English-born, Australian-raised Scotland rugby league international Ian Henderson today committed himself to spending at least another two years in New Zealand.

The 26-year-old hooker, in his second year with the Warriors, has signed to stay on at Mount Smart Stadium until the end of the 2011 NRL season.

After a handful of first-grade appearances for the Sydney Roosters and then Parramatta, Henderson joined Bradford in 2005 where he immediately tasted title success in the English Super League grand final and also in the 2006 World Club Challenge.

Keen to return to the Southern Hemisphere, he signed for the Warriors, ensuring he was reunited with Ivan Cleary, who had coached him in the New South Wales Premier League.

While Henderson missed his new club's season opener against Melbourne last year, he has been ever-present since, playing in 34 straight games for the Warriors.

Cleary said Henderson had been one of the club's best signings.

"Hendo's such an aggressive footballer with plenty of cheek about him," Cleary said.

"He's been great for our side since the day he arrived and he's got a lot more to offer."

Henderson's signing continues the Warriors' retention programme which has seen them re-sign Jerome Ropati, Simon Mannering, Lance Hohaia and Steve Price of the NRL squad's experienced players.

Utility back Patrick Ah Van, halfback-hooker Aaron Heremaia and 2008 Junior Warriors halfback Isaac John also re-signed last weekend.

-NZPA