https://www.xxzza1.com
23.3 C
Newcastle

Dragon Clune inks two-year deal with Knights

SHARE

The playing futures of local juniors Tex Hoy and Phoenix Crossland hang in the balance after the Newcastle Knights announced the signing of St George-Illawarra Dragons halfback Adam Clune.

The whole-hearted playmaker is scheduled to move to the Hunter on a two-year deal.

A pivot with a quality kicking and passing game, Clune will arrive in Newcastle for day one of the 2022 pre-season after a number of strong seasons with the Dragons.

But, it’s a surprising move by the Knights, who already have halves Mitchell Pearce, Jake Clifford, Kurt Mann, Hoy and Crossland on their books.

Hoy, a South Newcastle Lions product, has represented his home club on 17 occasions while Crossland, from the Central Coast, was seen as a long-term halfback for Newcastle.

However, neither of them have been able to secure a regular first grade spot despite several opportunities in the past couple of seasons.

Debuting at 24 in 2020, Clune has played 25 games for St George-Illawarra, notching nine try assists and scoring his first NRL try in round one of 2021.

The Junee and Wollongong youngster can cover the halfback, five-eighth and bench utility positions.

His kicking game will also be a major asset to coach Adam O’Brien’s squad, with Clune forcing 10 dropouts and kicking for more than 3000 metres in his time with the Red V.

Knights head of recruitment Clint Zammit said the 26-year-old’s signature was an important step in building a quality squad for the 2022 season.

“Adam is a mature player who will add depth to our halves next year,” he explained.

“He is a game manager whose experience, attitude and work ethic will make him a valuable part of our squad.”

After securing a finals berth for the second consecutive season, the Knights are preparing to face the Brisbane Broncos in the last round on Saturday 4 September.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

For more sports stories:

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!