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Knights star Edrick Lee eager to kick-on after Origin experience

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Newcastle Knights winger Edrick Lee is determined to build on his impressive end to a roller-coaster 2020 season.

The 28-year-old was a top performer for the Knights, averaging 121 metres per game and scoring six tries in 11 matches.

That form saw the towering winger receive the call up for Queensland in the State of Origin series decider.

Lee’s debut couldn’t have gone much better. Just before half-time, he scored a crucial try from a Cameron Munster kick, with the Maroons going on to claim a 20-14 win in front of 50,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium.

While Lee admitted that his debut was a “bit of a blur”, he said being part of the camp was a memorable experience.

“It was definitely an experience I didn’t think would happen, given the year that it was,” he said.

“I came back from injury, however, I didn’t think I would be selected in the squad.

“The experience was definitely one I’ll remember for a while, just to be in camp with the lads.

“Given the situation of it, being in the bubble, it was a different one than what I’ve [had] before in Origin camp.

“Being at home, playing in front of friends and family, and the spectacle it was, being a Game 3 decider in Brisbane, [I was] just happy to be part of it.”

The Knights began their pre-season training camp last week. Lee said he was focused on ensuring his fitness for the team’s opening clash against the new-look Canterbury Bulldogs.

“This time of year, it’s just the chance to prepare your body right for the season ahead,” he explained.

“Everyone’s confident, and obviously there’s some new staff members, so everyone’s really buying in and really taking their processes properly and showing it on the field.”

Lee, who missed 10 games through injury last season, said staying injury-free was “always the goal every year”.

During the off-season, the Knights added six new faces to the squad, including experienced second-rower Tyson Frizell and young English fullback Bailey Hodgson.

“There’s a lot of new faces around, so I’m just going to try and get up to speed with meeting everyone,” Lee added.

The Knights’ NRL campaign will kick-off on Friday 12 March.

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