Liam Knight’s Return to Rugby League in Australia
Liam Knight, a seasoned utility forward, has made a notable return to rugby league in Australia, and the coach overseeing his comeback is urging NRL clubs to reconsider their stance on his potential. Knight has been making waves with his performance for the Cessnock Goannas in the Newcastle Rugby League’s Denton Cup competition. His three-game stint has already shown promise, with him consistently playing over 60 minutes each time.
Knight’s journey back to Australian rugby league began after he cut short his stint at the UK Super League club Hull FC. The 31-year-old, who previously played for Manly, Canberra, South Sydney, and Canterbury, has now found a new home with the Goannas. His coach, Harry Siejka, believes that Knight could easily make a return to the top level of the sport.
“Liarn has played three games and punched out 60-plus minutes each time, which for a big man is pretty impressive, and missed just the one tackle,” Siejka told Yahoo Sport Australia. “We’ve played him prop and lock and he’ll probably settle into that 13 role now because he’s got some ball-playing ability. He’s been really good for us playing-wise and just great around the club.”
When asked if a return to the NRL was realistic, Siejka said: “I haven’t had that conversation with Liam so I’m not sure his exact plans. I know he’s got a good job and he’s getting married (to Channel 9 league host Danika Mason) at the end of the year but I’m sure there’s interest there. Any NRL club would be stupid not to have a look at a bloke like that. He’s still got plenty to offer in my opinion. We’d hate to lose him if anyone came knocking and I’ll be surprised if they don’t.”
Knight requested a release from Hull FC just three games into his second season, with coach John Cartwright explaining it was a “heart and head” decision to return to Australia. “He was honest in the end. His heart and his head wasn’t around spending the full season here and it was a pretty easy decision in the end,” Cartwright said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, if your heart’s not in it, it’s too tough a game to play.”
Liam Knight ‘Laughs Off’ Jibes from Fans
Knight, who proposed to Mason in October last year, has returned to Sydney and is commuting weekly to Cessnock for games. Danika and Knight’s good friend, Souths forward Jai Arrow, were in attendance for his Goannas debut last month.
His high-profile relationship hasn’t escaped the attention of local footy fans in Newcastle. “It’s country football, mate. You get a few blokes who top themselves up and want to shout out things but I don’t think it worries Liam,” Siejka said. “He just laughs it off and gets on with playing the game.”
