Castleford youngster Bailey Hodgson has signed a three-year deal to join NRL club Newcastle Knights from 2021.
The 18-year-old, who is the nephew of Canberra and England hooker Josh Hodgson, made his Super League debut earlier this season and has represented England at youth level.
He becomes the third British teenager to make the move down under for next season, joining Huddersfield winger Dom Young at the Knights, while Wigan forward Harry Rushton has signed for the Raiders.
Castleford’s head of youth performance Darren Higgins said: “We would like to wish Bailey all the best in Australia, it’s a challenge he always wanted to take on.
“Bailey’s progress is not only great recognition for his own hard work and dedication but for our youth provision with many people involved in this process.”
Newcastle Knights’ head of recruitment Clint Zammit added: “Bailey is an exciting prospect, he is a natural athlete with great balance and footwork. For the past 13 months I have watched him continue to develop rapidly.
“His willingness to work hard and compete in every aspect has allowed him to play in the Super League, despite his age. Whilst he is only young, he will be afforded all the time and resources required to allow him to grow into a player that we anticipate will have a long career at the Knights.”
