Damien Blanch has extended his stay with the Wakefield Wildcats by signing a new two-year contract.

The Irish international joined the West Yorkshire club last year but has been sidelined for much of this campaign with a knee injury.

But the 26-year old is confident of being fit and ready for the 2010 campaign and putting a disappointing season behind him.

The former Widnes Vikings and Castleford Tigers winger joins Matt Blaymire, Sam Obst, Kevin Henderson and Luke George in signing new contracts with the club.

Blanch said, “It is a big injury but it’s feeling pretty good now and I’m doing lots of running so I should be ready to play in mid-November.

“With no games until December I’ve probably got another six weeks to make sure everything is right.

“Competition for places keeps people on their toes and it can only be good for the team.

“Touch wood injuries don’t happen but if they do then we can all replace each other.

“I remember what it was like being a young guy and learning from established players and that’s what I hope to be able to do for the young boys in the squad next year.”

John Kear, Wildcats head coach is equally enthusiastic about Blanch’s return to action. He said, “It was really disappointing to lose Damien to injury because he had started the season in very good form after an excellent World Cup.

“He has been very committed and disciplined to his rehabilitation programme and I think we will see an even stronger Damien Blanch next season.”

“We’ve got strength in depth in the wing positions next year with Damien, Luke George, Aaron Murphy and Dale Morton so the competition for starting places is going to be fierce and that is exactly what you want in a squad.”

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