Stags favourite James Howitt signs on for another season

The hard working Australian made 16 appearances during the 2014 season, impressing with a number of high energy performances in the engine room of the team.

The 31-year-old also displayed his commitment to the Stags by making himself available for selection for the playoff at Gateshead Thunder, despite not having fully recovered from a broken metacarpal which had sidelined him for the previous month.

Stags head coach Troy Perkins said: “It’s great to have James on board again next season.

“He in one of the longest serving players at the club and it’s a big boost for the club that he has decided to play one more season.”

Perkins added: “I have known James for 10 years having bought him over to England from Australia when I coached Coventry Bears, and I have coached him at Hemel for the past seven seasons.

“Every time he takes to the field he gives 100 per cent and you know he will never let anyone down.

“He is respected by all his team-mates and he is a crowd favourite at the Pennine Way Stadium due to the way he carries the ball and skittles defenders.”