Knights star signs massive long-term extension
The Newcastle Knights have secured one of the club’s brightest long-term stars, with damaging back-rower Dylan Lucas officially extending his stay in the Hunter until the end of the 2030 season.
Read more RGB Secures UAE Vendor License as Market Opens
The extension comes at a perfect time for the 25-year-old, who is pushing hard for a NSW Blues debut after being named in the extended squad for State of Origin I and producing another enormous performance last round that further elevated his reputation across the competition.
Knights coach Justin Holbrook praised Lucas following the announcement, describing the back-rower as one of the key standards-setters within the club.
“Dylan’s work ethic is outstanding, the positive attitude and intensity Dylan trains and plays with every day is infectious on his teammates and everyone around him.” Holbrook said.
MORE: Dragons back up first win with ex-Origin star signing
Holbrook also pointed to Lucas’ growing leadership qualities and influence within the squad as a major reason the club was so determined to lock him in long term.
“He has become a genuine leader. He backs himself with a respectful self-confidence that has a huge impact and influence on the standards of this group,” Holbrook explained.
Getty Images
Lucas could easily have tested the open market, with expansion clubs including the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs expected to have strong interest in the representative forward, but instead chose to remain loyal to the club where he has spent his entire NRL career.
In his time in the NRL Lucas hs showed elite line running, speed, athleticism and edge defence, making him an ideal backrower for the modern game.
Already regarded as one of the most underrated forwards in the competition, Lucas now appears set to enter the prime years of his career with the Knights and could very well force his way into the Blues side in the near future if his current form continues.
The extension is another significant piece of retention business for Newcastle as the club continues building stability that is already paying dividends on the ladder with the Knights enjoying one of their best seasons in years.
With the Knights’ left edge now locked in long term, there is a very real chance it develops into the most dangerous attacking edge in the competition for years to come.
Comments