Newcastle Knights complete double signing for 2023
Newcastle Knights have bolstered their ranks for the 2023 NRL campaign with the addition of Adam Elliott and Jack Hetherington.
Elliott is currently on the books of the Canberra Raiders, while Hetherington is with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Both players will see out the rest of the season with their clubs before heading to Newcastle.
The duo have signed three-year deals starting from next season and will stay in the Hunter until the end of the 2025 season.
The Knights have been on the look out for fresh blood following the departures of Connor Watson and Mitch Barnett. And they will be delighted to get the duo on board.
Hetherington in demand
Competition for the services of Hetherington in particular was rife. Reports claim that the Raiders, Dragons and Wests Tigers were also chasing his signature.
However Hetherington opted to head to Newcastle for family reasons, disappointing the trio in the process. As well as playing for the Bulldogs the 26-year-old also had spells with Penrith and the Warriors. He has made 43 NRL appearances in total and will be looking to kick on with his new club.
Elliott left the Bulldogs at the end of last season in controversial circumstances. However he has got his life and career back on track and has impressed for the Raiders this season. The versatile star has played 12 games this season to add to the 101 appearances he made for Canterbury.
Elliott’s decision to head to Newcastle will also have been influenced by girlfriend Millie Boyle. NRLW star Boyle has swapped the Brisbane Broncos for the Newcastle Knights.
“The team the Knights are building will be very competitive; there’s a good mix of experienced players and really exciting young talent coming through. This season can’t come soon enough,” Boyle said.
Newcastle Knights double deal delight
Meanwhile Newcastle football manager Danny Buderus has saluted the capture of both Elliott and Hetherington.
“Both players will be a welcome addition to our club next season,” Buderus told the club’s website. “They bring versality, leg speed and strong physical presence to our pack, which are key attributes and skillsets for the modern game.
“They share a hard-working attitude and a will to win, they both compete on every moment and that’s a great fit for the Newcastle Knights.”
The Knights currently sit in 12th spot on the ladder with just four wins this season. Adam O’Brien’s men are back in action when they entertain the Panthers on Sunday.