Australian half-back Rhys Hanbury has become the latest player to extend his stay with Crusaders RL after signing a three-year contract extension which will take him to the end of the 2014 season.

The 25-year-old Hanbury, who joined the club from Wests Tigers halfway through last season, has followed team-mates Paul Johnson, Gil Dudson and Ben Flower in committing his future to the Welsh club.

“I’m very settled here and I am enjoying my rugby so I didn’t take much persuading when it came to signing a new deal,” he said.

Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris said: “I think Rhys has been terrific for us. He has really settled in and become part of the squad.”

Crusaders say they are also close to agreeing a new deal with Hanbury’s half-back partner Michael Witt.