ELLIOTT Whitehead has been handed a contract extension by Canberra Raiders following his outstanding debut season at the NRL outfit.

The former Bulls star joined the Raiders at the beginning of 2016 and has played all 22 matches for Ricky Stuart's men this year.

Bradford-born Whitehead made his name at Odsal but left to join Catalans Dragons three years ago after falling out with then head coach Francis Cummins.

He thrived in Perpignan and has reached new heights at Canberra, where he has played all but two minutes so far this season.

The 26-year-old was contracted until the end of 2017 but his form and performances prompted the Raiders to extend his deal.

Canberra lie third in the NRL and are bound for their first finals campaign since 2012.

Ex-West Bowling amateur Whitehead said: "We are building something really good at the club at the moment and I want to be part of that. It was an easy choice for me to extend for another year.

"I feel like I have adapted very well to the NRL now. Hopefully I can keep improving as a player and keep helping the team week in, week out."

Raiders recruitment and high performance manager Peter Mulholland added: "Elliott has shown in his first season in the NRL that he is up to the standard of the competition and has produced some wonderful football for the club.

"He's a skilful forward who gives our right edge an extra attacking threat and he's played all but two minutes of his first season in the NRL, which is a huge achievement.

"We believe we are still to see the best from Elliott and we're really looking forward to seeing what he can produce for the rest of this season and the next two."