HULL KR hooker Keal Carlile says signing a new two-year deal was an easy decision to make, despite attention from other Super League clubs.
Carlile was strongly linked with a move to St Helens, who signed Rovers prop Rich Beaumont on a two year contract earlier this week.
But he says he had no intention of leaving MS3 Craven Park.
"There were options from a couple of big Super League clubs but I had no intention of leaving Rovers because there is a great group of players here," Carlile told the Mail
"I enjoy working with Craig Sandercock and his techniques will improve my game. I know Craig and Chris Chester will take my game to the next level.
"I'm 23 and still have a lot to learn, which I will if I keep my head down and listen.
"I'm over the moon with the new deal and it gives me security for the next two years."
Carlile's signing looks to mark the end of Lincoln Withers' time at Rovers, as his contract expires at the end of the season.
Now, Carlile looks set to share the hooking responsibilities with first choice Josh Hodgson.
"I'm looking forward to sharing the hooker role with Josh for the next few years," Carlile said.
"He is one of the best in Super League and I can't see why we can't challenge for silverware in the coming years.
"Signing the two-year deal has given me a great opportunity to play at hooker, but there will be players in our squad capable also.
"I'm not going to rest on my laurels now that I have signed this deal.
"What I achieve is up to me and how hard I work."
Carlile has proved his worth to Rovers in the 14 games he has played this season.
They all came within the first three months of the season before Withers' experience saw him preferred.
With Withers suspended for Sunday's derby at MS3 Craven Park, Carlile intends to make the most of his opportunity and win back his place for the remainder of the season.
"I'd like to think I would have been in contention for Sunday's derby regardless of Lincoln's suspension," Carlile said.
"Craig hasn't said anything to me because he will want to leave it until later in the week.
"I played in the derby at the KC Stadium at Easter and games don't come much bigger than the derbies.
"To play against Hull in front of a packed east stand would be pretty special.
"I hope I have a chance of playing."
If Carlile does get the nod to replace Withers on Sunday, Sandercock will knows Carlile won't let him down.
In the 14 games he has played this season, he has made just three errors.
That is something Carlile is proud of, but says it is down to the instructions of his coach to ensure he does the basics right.
"Craig has told me not to try anything flash," Carlile said.
"He has told me to do the things he knows I can do.
"That is what I try to do.
"I just do the little things right and hope that is enough to get the team going forward."
