NRL

He’s spent months in contract limbo.

Today, the Newcastle Knights have confirmed forward Tyson Frizell played his 129th and final match for the club in last night’s 19-18 NRL Grand Final loss to the Roosters.

Frizell has been a free agent since November 1 last year and despite playing a significant role in the club’s 2026 resurrection from wooden spooners to grand finalists with 25 match appearances, his playing future in 2027 will be elsewhere.

With the rise of an exciting core of young forwards in Newcastle, together with the off-season arrival kiwi veteran Marata Niukore from the Warriors, it seems there simply weren’t enough forward spots left on the Knights roster.

MORE: Australia announces powerful Kangaroos squad for Rugby League World Cup defence

At Newcastle’s Grand Final welcome party today, the club confirmed Tyson Frizell won’t be returning next season, playing his last match for the club last night. Frizell will be a highly sought after free agent with the Tigers among many clubs showing interest in the forward.
Read more PRO4A Arrests 14 in CALABARZON Illegal Gambling Operations
— The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) October 5, 2026

Since Sunday night’s Grand Final loss both Frizell and his wife Samantha have posted on social media with all the signs pointing to an end-of-season departure.

“Thank you for everything Newcastle,” Frizell posted to his Instagram account on Monday.

The 34-year-old has spent the last six years with the Knights, after playing 165 matches in eight seasons with the Dragons and debuting with the Sharks in 2011.

Along the way he’s also played 16 Origins for NSW and 14 Tests for Australia.

The Wests Tigers are currently favoured to land Frizell’s signature, where he could potentially reunite with former Knights teammate Kai Pearce-Paul.

NRL

Comments