Makali Aizue celebrates his try in the derby victory against Hull FC

Hull KR prop Makali Aizue has agreed a new deal that will keep him at Craven Park for 2009.

The 30-year-old Papua New Guinea international is the club's longest serving player, having joined in 2003.

Coach Justin Morgan told BBC Radio Humberside: "He's a great athlete and a long serving player and we've said all along we want to provide continuity.

Meanwhile, Rovers are expected to bring in Wigan winger Liam Colban and prop Nick Fozzard from St Helens this week.

Aizue's extended deal was only made possible when the Rugby Football League relaxed their rules on overseas players.

And Morgan is thrilled to be able to retain Aizue's services.

I think we can be a little bit more selective with what we can do with Makali and we can use him more as an impact-type player. Justin Morgan

"Makali has had a bit of a stop-start season," Morgan said. "But I think that he's shown in the games he's played his potential and the impact he can have for the team. And if there's one area we've struggled with our team - it's impact.

"With strengthening our front row stocks, which we've set out to do, I think we can be a little bit more selective with what we can do with him and we can use him more as an impact-type player.

"When Makali has been asked to do long minutes he's maybe lost his effectiveness and if we can keep everyone healthy we can use Makali in the best possible way and that's to have impact."

The club have also announced the release of Kirk Netherton, Luke Menzies and Scottish international Jon Steel.

"It's always difficult to part with players that have served you well but sometimes you need to move on," said Morgan. "Jon will be a great player for whoever he signs for and I don't think he'll have a problem finding a new club."