The Newcastle Knights have re-signed five-eighth Jack Johns and welcome centre Brent Naden to the club on one-year contracts.

Johns played with the Club’s Under 20s in 2017 and shifted between playing in the halves and back row throughout the campaign.

He was rewarded with selection in Italy’s Rugby League World Cup squad, but his tournament was unfortunately cut short after he fractured his forearm in their opening match.

“Following on from an excellent season, Jack gets the chance to train full time and continue his development at the Club,” General Manager of Football Darren Mooney said.

“For Brent, he joins the Club for an opportunity and provides depth to our outside backs.”

Naden joins the Club from the Canberra Raiders, and while yet to make his NRL debut, he featured in Canberra’s 2017 Auckland Nines campaign.

The 21-year-old is a versatile outside back who can play centre, wing and fullback. In 2015, he was captain of Penrith’s Under 20s team.

Johns and Naden will train with the NRL squad this pre-season.

Knights 2026 Player Movements

2026 Gains
Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels, 2035), Peter Hola (The Dolphins, 2027), Asu Kepaoa (Penrith Panthers, 2027), Trey Mooney (Canberra Raiders, 2029), Pasami Saulo (Canberra Raiders, 2027), Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters, 2029)
2026 Losses
Taj Annan (rugby union), Jake Arthur (Hull FC), Jayden Brailey (Canberra Raiders), Paul Bryan (Manly Sea Eagles), Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers), Brock Greacen (Castleford Tigers), Jack Hetherington (Melbourne Storm), Riley Jones (Cronulla Sharks), Jye Linnane (New Zealand Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Will Pryce (Hull FC), Sebastian Su'a (The Dolphins), Leo Thompson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Tyrone Thompson (rugby union)
Re-Signed
None
Off Contract 2026
Thomas Cant, Wilson De Courcey, Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai, Tyson Gamble, Brodie Jones, Greg Marzhew