Liam Knight has officially made his return to rugby league in Australia, joining the Cessnock Goannas in the Newcastle Denton Engineering Cup as he aims to revive his playing career closer to home.
The 29-year-old forward recently returned from the UK after his tenure with Super League team Hull FC was cut short, with Knight leaving the club on compassionate grounds.
During his time in England, Knight played 22 matches for Hull, including three in the current season, following his exit from the NRL after a brief spell with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2024.
His experience at Belmore was restricted to just two first-grade games before he made the decision to head overseas for the 2025 Super League season.
Returning home also means Knight is closer to his fiancée, journalist Danika Mason, who resides in Sydney.
He has already joined his new teammates, having been seen at Goannas training this week as he acclimates to the local rugby league environment.
There's a possibility he could make his debut as soon as this weekend, with the Goannas' Round 2 match presenting a potential opportunity.
Knight's signing brings significant experience to Cessnock, which also includes former Newcastle Knights back Brayden Musgrove, making sure he has company in the squad with top-tier NRL backgrounds.
For Knight, this move signifies both a fresh beginning and a return to familiar territory, with his attention now on regaining momentum in the Australian game.