SHEFFIELD Eagles star forward Matthew Whitaker admits he took his time about deciding to stay at the club.
Whitaker was one of the outstanding players last year with his performances earning the Players' Player of the Year Award - voted on by the other members of the squad.
But with a number of his friends leaving the club, it seemed Whitaker was headi
ng for a swift exit after less than a season.
Coach Mark Aston kept open the offer of a contract and the 26-year-old former Castleford, Halifax and Widnes back- rower signed.
"When the lads with whom I travelled from Leeds left - Danny Mills and Adam Hayes - it was a big thing. That was the only thing that raised a lot of questions," said Whitaker.
"But I just wanted to play and I didn't want to be a journeyman and I wanted to do another season at Sheffield and Mark was really good for me last season and stood by me so I came back."
Whitaker made a massive impact last season after a couple of years blighted by injury and rebuilt his career at Don Valley.
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