The Newcastle Knights have locked in one of the Hunter’s most promising young rugby league talents.
Eighteen-year-old Toby Winter this week signed a long-term contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2029.
He’s been upgraded to the organisation’s NRL supplementary list for the 2026 and 2027 seasons before progressing into its top 30 roster for the final two years of the deal.
A versatile outside back who is more than capable of playing fullback, centre or wing, he has earned the extension after impressing Newcastle’s coaching staff during his first NRL pre-season.
Winter was also an Australian Schoolboys representative in 2025 and is widely-regarded as one of the region’s most promising young prospects.
For the Dudley Magpies product, the contract marks the next step in a pathway that has remained firmly rooted in the local community.
Unlike many elite youngsters who move clubs in search of higher-level competition, Winter chose to stay with his mates throughout his development, playing second division football while rising through the Knights’ junior system.
His decision has since become a feel-good story for the code, showing that talented players can still progress to the professional ranks while remaining loyal to their grassroots organisation.
Since then, young back’s rise through the ranks has been rapid.
After starring in the Knights’ junior pathways system, Winter received the Andrew Johns Medal as player of the year for the Newcastle SG Ball Cup campaign.
His performance in the competition also helped propel him into the club’s wider NRL training squad, where he continued to impress during the off-season.
Knights head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan says Winter’s development had been remarkable.
“We are really pleased for Toby and his family, he has worked hard for this,” he said.
“His progression over the past two seasons from playing SG Ball into making a huge impression on the NRL playing squad and coaching staff is remarkable.
“Not too many players handle the rigours and challenges of an NRL pre-season in their first attempt.
“Toby looked and trained like a seasoned professional, confirming it’s not if but when he plays NRL.”
The long-term deal secures Winter as part of the club’s future and highlights the success of the Knights’ local development pathways, which continues to produce NRL-ready talent from within the Hunter.
For the homegrown back, the contract signals that his dream of running out in the NRL may not be far away.
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- Knights star Ponga to play for NZ at Rugby League World Cup
- Jets’ tyro Bertoncello has one objective… score goals
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