The Newcastle Knights have announced forward Herman Ese'ese has signed a three-year contract, commencing in 2018.

The 22-year-old made his NRL debut at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2015 before joining the Brisbane Broncos in 2016. He has currently played 23 NRL matches.

“It is exciting to be able to announce Herman’s signing and we look forward to welcoming him to the Club next season,” CEO Matt Gidley said.

“Herman is a young, explosive forward with a lot of great football ahead of him.

“He not only fits into our long-term plans but importantly, he is coming to the Club because he wants to be part of our future success.”

Ese’ese will join Kalyn Ponga, Tautau Moga, Connor Watson and Aidan Guerra at the Club in 2018, as well as Shaun Kenny-Dowall who arrived at the Club mid-season.

“After a number of signing announcements for the Club, we are confident in the playing roster we are building for next season and beyond,” Gidley concluded.

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