Hull FC forward Liam Knight has penned a new deal to remain with the Black and Whites beyond the end of the season.
The forward has agreed a 12-month extension which ensures he is contracted to the end of next season with Hull. The deal comes as a huge boost for the East Yorkshire outfit, who are building one of the most potent packs in the division for next season with Knight sticking around to be part of a middle unit that will include Leeds Rhinos’ Sam Lisone and Herman Ese’ese.
Knight has been with Hull since March, with FC making the move to sign the free agent after seeing Ligi Sao ruled out for the season through injury.
The forward was thrown straight into the deep end with his debut coming against Leigh Leopards just a few days after landing in the UK and he has been an ever present in John Cartwright’s side ever since, making 18 appearances.
He’s played big minutes on a number of occasions this season, too, with Knight regularly being on the field for over an hour, as he was last Saturday against Wigan Warriors. Indeed, the Australian has been a big asset for Hull over the last few months and he’ll hope to build on that over the next year.
Hull FC tie down Liam Knight
“I’m stoked to be here, I really like this club, the boys and the coaching staff and I’m excited to be on board for another 12 months and see what we can build,” Knight said in an embargoed press conference on Wednesday.
“I fell in love with the fans and the atmosphere at home games and away games, they’re just dedicated. It’s a good group of boys you got here along with the coaching staff, it’s a fun place to come to work and our performances are improving – it’s really fun to be a part of.
“I had a couple of lean years back home with injury and some things I wish went a lot better. Coming over here, refreshing and getting around a new group of boys, I really have re-found my love for the sport, it’s been a massive blessing for me.”
Asked why he has only agreed to a 12-month extension, he added: “I have a girlfriend back home, she can’t come over so I just said one more year and we’ll see where we sit. I’m open to possibilities but I have a relationship back home that means a lot to me.”
Hull did have competition for Knight’s signature at one point with the forward attracting interest from Warrington Wolves, who are coached by Knight’s former South Sydney Rabbitohs teammate Sam Burgess. Those conversations never really got off the ground though.
“There were chats,” Knight admitted. “Sam is a close mate of mine, there was obviously interest there but I was never offered a contract or anything like that, it didn’t get too far and I was pretty happy to stay here, it didn’t go too far that way.”
