Knights reportedly lockdown breakout hooker
“They’re the best club to play for because of that community.”
The Newcastle Knights have reportedly signed long-term contract with breakout hooker Phoenix Crossland ahead of the November 1 transfer deadline.
After entering the season as a backup halfback to Jackson Hastings, Crossland has emerged as a breakout performer for the Newcastle Knights this season, cementing himself in the number nine shirt.
This was due to the injury of first-team hooker Jayden Brailey, who has been ruled out for the season.
Crossland, who is under contract until the end of next year, is free to engage with rival teams from November 1, but according to News Corp, the hooker is set to dodge the trade window by re-signing for another two seasons with the Knights.
This will keep him at the club until at least the end of the end of the 2026 season.
It is also understood that Crossland’s desire to accept less money was a huge added boost for the direction the club are heading in.
Crossland recently spoke on the Newcastle faithful, revealing there is no team he would rather be playing for than the mighty Knights.
“I love the Knights, I love the town, I love the people. They’re very passionate, and they certainly let you know when you’re not going well, but when you are, they’re patting you on the back,” Crossland said earlier this year.
“They’re the best club to play for because of that community.
“I love nothing more than pulling that jersey on each weekend and representing the town and the club.”
New destination confirmed for Knights youngster
He has signed a three-year contract.
The Dolphins have confirmed that Newcastle Knights youngster Oryn Keeley will join the club on a three-year contract beginning in 2024.
The 20-year-old will join from the Newcastle Knights effective immediately and will immediately move into the club’s Top 30 list.
Born in Gosford and after playing his junior career with the Northern Lakes Warriors before joining the Knights, Keeley made his NRL debut for the Knights last year and would manage to feature in a single first-grade game in 2023 against the Dragons in Round 27.
Despite only playing in 19 minutes, Keeley managed 36 running metres, one offload and seven tackles (100 per cent tackle efficiency).
One of the top young talents from New South Wales, he has been regarded as a future superstar of the game, having represented New South Wales at the Under 16s (captaining the side) and Under 19s level.
He also won the 2019 Harold Matthews Cup with the Knights and was the 2022 Under 19s Men’s State of Origin Player of the Series,
