NRL forward Mat Croker has made a decision about his future amid rumours of a Super League move for next season.
The 25-year-old has chosen to remain at Newcastle Knights, despite interest from Super League side Wakefield Trinity.
Croker has signed a two-year extension, keeping him at the Knights until the end of the 2027 season, taking him to 14 years at the club by the end of his contract.
He made his debut back in 2021 in a round six match against Parramatta Eels and has gone on to make 67 NRL appearances since.
Most of those appearances have come off the bench, but Croker can cover in the second row and at loose forward.
NRL forward Mat Croker signs contract extension despite rumoured Super League move
Newcastle Knights head of recruitment, Peter O’Sullivan, discussed Croker’s contract extension on the Knights’ website.
He said: “Mat is a popular and invaluable player in our system, he is Newcastle through and through.
“We understand the interest from other Clubs, and we are delighted he chose to stay with the Knights.
“Mat can cover all three roles in the pack, bringing great balance and versatility to our squad.
“At his age and experience, the next three years of his career will be his best, and we believe he will continue to develop as a genuine NRL player.”
Croker has featured in all but one game for Newcastle this season, but has only started two games, featuring predominantly as an impact sub.
Wakefield were hoping to bring in Croker to bulk up their forward pack for the 2026 season and beyond.
Brisbane Broncos hooker Tyson Smoothy has already signed for the Trinity for next season and coach Daryl Powell will be hoping to make some more signings to complement his current pack.
Croker has made the decision to stay in the NRL for the club that he’s been at since joining the Knights development squad in 2014, before getting an NRL development contract in 2020 and making his senior debut the following year.
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