Luke Yates re-signs with Knights

The Newcastle Knights have announce the re-signing of local junior Luke Yates for the 2018 season.

Yates made his NRL debut in Round 1 this season and went on to play 19 matches, before injury ended his season in Round 24.

“Luke is a great young talent and thoroughly deserves this contract extension,” General Manager Football Darren Mooney said.

“Luke has progressed through the grades at the Club and made a successful transition to the NRL this season.

“He is a popular teammate and consistent contributor and we look forward to seeing his continued development at the Knights.”

The 22-year-old is a West Newcastle junior.

In other news, Knights outside back Tom Hughes has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club.

Hughes joined the Knights in 2016, after spending four seasons with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

This season, the South Coast junior was the leading try scorer in the Intrust Super Premiership (ISP) competition and was named ISP’s Players’ Player.

“Tom has been one of our most consistent performers this season and thoroughly deserves a contract extension,” ISP coach Simon Woolford said.

22-year-old Hughes will have the opportunity to train with the NRL squad during the pre-season.

Meanwhile, the Club has taken up 2018 contract options for Sam Stone, Dylan Phythian and Nick Meaney, and also re-signed promising young hooker Tom Starling for 2018.