Paul Sykes keen to finish career at Dewsbury Rams

The contract will take the 38-year-old half-back into a 22nd season of professional rugby league, after he made his debut in the sport with Bradford Bulls in 1999.

Dewsbury will be led by an experienced half-back partnership next year, after Liam Finn also penned new terms at the Tetley’s Stadium.

“It’s a no-brainer really, I’ve been here a few years now it’s my hometown club and I always said I’d like to finish my career here whenever that may be,” said Sykes who has also had spells at London Broncos, Wakefield Trinity and Featherstone Rovers.

“If there’s any knowledge that I can pass on to the young lads I’m always there, I’m a big believer in skill and the fundamentals of the game there’s always room for improvements.

“The fans have been awesome throughout my time here obviously it’s been tough times for everyone but I’m sure we’ll make up for lost time in 2021.”

Sykes was pleased with Dewsbury’s start to the 2020 Championship season, with the Rams earning three wins form four before the campaign was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sykes added: “It was great we had a good start and were enjoying our footy, we all get on well and love being around each other and if you have that then that’s half the battle going forward.

"Our pre-season was one of the best we’ve had too, everybody put the hard yards in throughout and it showed the way we started 2020.”

Sykes had also taken on a coaching role for the 2020 campaign and head coach Lee Greenwood said: “Paul started the season off in good form and was loving the environment we’ve created. He was enjoying the coaching side as well and was combining the two roles really well.

“I’m always conscious of having older players in the squad but not with Paul. He trains better now than when I played with him at London.

“If he wasn’t with us there are a number of sides in this division and below that would love to have him. Whilst he is in the condition he is in, he still has plenty to offer on the field.”

Meanwhile, staying at Dewsbury was an easy option for former Wakefield and Castleford player Finn, who said: “It is a hardworking group who try their hardest to look out for each other and try to play as a team.

“I was enjoying myself which is always a major factor in personal performance and enthusiasm to carry on. All the group want is to help each other and play together which is testament to everyone and Lee for putting the squad together.”