The St George Illawarra Dragons on Wednesday announced the re-signing of captain Ben Creagh for a further season until at least until the end of the 2016 season.

The local University of Wollongong junior made his first-grade debut for the Dragons against the New Zealand Warriors in round 22 of the 2003 season and has played 253 NRL games to date, ranking him third on the list of all-time first grade appearances behind only Ben Hornby (273) and Norm Provan (256) respectively.

Creagh, 30, has won the prestigious Dragons Medal for the Club’s 'Player of the Year' on a record four occasions (2007, 2009, 2010, 2014) and is proud to be able to continue representing his childhood club.

“I am extremely honoured and proud to have the opportunity to continue representing my childhood Club for another season,” said Creagh.

“The Club has played an important role in my life for a long time now and I feel privileged hopefully being able to finish my rugby league career here as a one-club player."

Dragons Director of Recruitment and Retention Peter Mulholland is pleased by the re-signing of Creagh and what it means for the Club.

“Everyone at the Club is delighted that we have been able to come to an arrangement that will see Ben extend his career at the Dragons,” said Mulholland.

“Ben is an outstanding leader, not only on the field, but at training and in all Club activities, he is highly respected by his team-mates and all staff at the Dragons.

“Ben is a local junior who has always represented himself, his family, the Dragons and the game of rugby league with distinction; he is a player that everyone at the Dragons can be proud to have associated with the Club."