Knights Strengthen Squad for 2027 with Marata Niukore
The Newcastle Knights have made a significant move in their preparations for the 2027 season by securing the services of veteran forward Marata Niukore on a three-year contract. The 29-year-old is set to return to Australia after spending the first five years of his career with the Parramatta Eels and currently in his fourth season with the New Zealand Warriors.
Niukore recently played a key role in the Warriors’ historic victory over the Melbourne Storm, scoring a try that marked the end of a long drought for the team. Despite his current success, the player is seeking a new challenge in Newcastle, where he believes he can find more opportunities. The Warriors are known for having some of the most promising young talent in the NRL, which may have made it difficult for Niukore to secure consistent playing time in the coming seasons.
Recruitment Success with Trey Mooney and Dylan Brown
The Knights have also had positive developments in their recruitment efforts. Trey Mooney has been thriving since his move from Canberra, while Dylan Brown was showing great form before suffering a knee injury. These additions highlight the club’s commitment to building a strong and competitive squad for the future.
Peter O’Sullivan, the Knights’ head of recruitment, expressed his excitement about Niukore’s decision to join the club. “We are super excited that Marata and his family have chosen to come to the Knights in 2027,” O’Sullivan said.
“He is a big athletic body who can play in the middle or on the edge, with the same level of execution. Marata is one of the top edge defenders in the game, and having played a lot of NRL in the centres, he adds genuine skill and versatility to our future stocks.”
“Equally importantly, we know he is a great person who cares about the club, the community, and the teammates he represents, already committing to leaving the jersey in a better position than how he receives it.”
Dragons Prepare for Jaydn Su’A’s Departure
Meanwhile, the St. George-Illawarra Dragons have announced that edge forward Jaydn Su’A will leave the club at the end of the year. Su’A, a former State of Origin representative, has been a vital part of the Dragons’ squad and has made a valuable contribution to the club during his tenure.
Tim Watsford, the Dragons’ chief executive, thanked Su’A for his efforts. “Jaydn has been an important part of our squad and has made a valued contribution to the club during his time in the Red V,” Watsford said. “We thank Jaydn for his contribution to the Dragons and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Su’A has been linked with a potential move to the Eels, and while the club has not ruled out a mid-season transfer, they are still evaluating their options. “We do have the ability to do that (sign players now), but that’s something that we’ll have to look at with our recruitment team during the week and the weeks coming,” Eels coach Jason Ryles said. The Eels are currently dealing with a growing injury crisis, which could influence their decisions moving forward.
