Cooper Votano is set to return to Newcastle's pathways in 2027, after leaving the Knights for Melbourne Storm's system at the end of 2025.
His management confirmed the move, with the 18-year-old likely to start in the SG Ball Cup, where he played for Melbourne in 2026.
A Central Coast product, Votano had impressed through the grades, and Newcastle were frustrated to lose him.
His brother Connor recently signed a two-year deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs, adding to the Knights' disappointment.
Connor, a fullback further along in his development, could make his NRL debut in 2027; Cooper is not expected to debut that year.
Cooper could instead progress to the NSW Cup by the end of 2027, as Newcastle look to give opportunities to their promising young players.
He starred in the Knights' run to the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup grand final and was back in the Hunter by the end of 2026, playing local football for the Entrance Tigers.
McKay also advanced through the grades, moving from Harold Matthews Cup to Jersey Flegg Cup in 2026 and potentially joining Votano in SG Ball in 2027.