Harlequins RL centre David Howell reckons a secure future for the club is partly behind his decision to commit to the club for another two seasons.

The 27-year-old former Canberra Raiders star signed an extension to his contract on Friday keeping him at the Stoop until 2013.

Chairman David Hughes’ deal to continue backing the club fro the next five years - with the help of the RFL - has breathed new hope into the beleaguered Super League side.

And Howell, player’s player of the year and top try scorer in 2009, admits he wants to help turn the club’s on-field fortunes around following the departure of head coach Brian McDermott.

“I am delighted to re-sign, my family and I are enjoying our time in London and we are not ready to go back home yet,” he said.

“The club have been through a rough patch, but there is a promising future after David committed to the next five years and with the calibre of youngsters coming through I can see the club moving forward.

“I want to be a part of it and will do my best to help get the club where it can be.”

Howell signed for Quins in December 2007 and has been something of an unsung hero ever since, making 23 appearances in a young and inexperienced back division last term.

Acting head coach Rob Powell added: “David's attacking quality and defensive nous are matched by his leadership within the group.

“I am sure he will have a massive impact again this year. It's another big re-signing for the club and the squad is coming together nicely.”

Meanwhile, Albanian-born prop Olsi Krasniqi has been handed a two year contract after impressing in his debut season.

The 18-year-old was invited to train with the first team for the 2010 season and ended up making nine Super League appearances.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have signed. I don’t want to go anywhere else and I have been working hard to earn a squad number since I was 15-years-old.”