Tyson Frizell’s Ambition to Stay with the Newcastle Knights
Newcastle Knights forward Tyson Frizell has made it clear that he is eager to continue his career with the club beyond the 2026 season, despite his contract coming to an end. At 34 years old, Frizell has been a vital part of the Knights’ team since joining in 2021 and continues to enjoy playing after 16 seasons at the top level.
In an interview, Frizell expressed his intention to remain with the Knights and dismissed any speculation about retiring at the end of the year. He said:
“I wasn’t too sure at the start of the year, but at this stage of my career I’m really mentally still fresh, the body is pretty good and I’m happy and enjoying footy. While I’m still doing that, I want to be playing footy. For me, I’m not too sure where the future will be, but I’ll definitely be playing next year.”
With no contract for the upcoming season, Frizell acknowledged that the club may choose a different direction, but he is ready for his 17th season if the Knights offer him an extension. He added:
“I’m not too sure where the club is at just yet, but I want to play next year and I’d love to finish my career here in some sort of capacity. I don’t want to be moving elsewhere, but I understand what footy clubs can be like if it doesn’t suit everyone. Whether it be salary cap, or players coming and going, and spots like that, but … I still think I’m playing decent enough footy to earn and deserve another contract. We’ll see where the future takes me.”
Frizell ended his representative career at the end of 2024 to focus on his performances with the Knights. His impressive list of achievements includes 16 matches for the NSW Blues, 14 Tests for Australia, and three games for Tonga.
However, following the excitement around the upcoming World Cup in Australia and PNG, and the current competitiveness of international rugby league, Frizell hinted that he might consider a return. He said:
“After the tour over in England with Tonga a few years ago, I said that would be my last representative honour and I’d just focus on club footy. It does take its toll, rep footy, especially at my age now. I’ve called it on rep footy, but now I know that I’m coming to the end … should I just go one more and see if I can play in a World Cup and help the country do something special? I guess the door’s closed, but it’s not fully closed.”
A Milestone in Sight
The Knights will face the Parramatta Eels on Saturday, marking Frizell’s 291st match in the NRL. This achievement places him on the brink of an elite list of 55 players who have played 300 NRL games. If he remains injury-free and continues to be selected, Frizell is expected to reach this milestone against the Raiders in Round 23.
Key Points
- Tyson Frizell is determined to continue playing for the Newcastle Knights beyond the 2026 season.
- Despite being 34, Frizell feels mentally and physically fit and enjoys his rugby.
- He has no contract for the next season but is open to a new deal if offered.
- Frizell has retired from representative football but has left the possibility of a return open.
- His 291st NRL game is approaching, and he is close to reaching the 300-game milestone.
