The off season may be less than two days old but for Liam Knight, pre-season training can’t come quick enough.
One of the real shining lights for the Sea Eagles in the Holden Cup competition in 2015, Knight has built a reputation as a quality young front-rower with a huge work-rate. He played 23 games and was known for his powerful runs and his tireless defence.
The 20-year-old has spent the past three seasons in the National Youth Competition with the Sea Eagles and played a major role in the team reaching the Grand Final.
Knight will now join the NRL squad for pre-season training from November 2 looking to impress new NRL Head Coach Trent Barrett. He is contracted to Manly Warringah for next season.
“I will take a few weeks off first but I just can’t wait to get back into it,’’ Knight said.
“This is a great opportunity for me to train with the senior boys. I know I have a lot of hard work ahead but I’m ready for the challenge.”
Although disappointed to lose the Holden Cup Grand Final to Penrith, Knight said there was plenty his team-mates can be proud of. The match was played in a record 35 degree heat with Knight playing the full game.
“Everyone was pumped for the grand final after beating the Cowboys in Melbourne last weekend. Penrith are a very good side but unfortunately, we couldn’t put a whole 80 minutes together,” Knight said.
“The conditions made it very tough. I was exhausted at times but I didn’t want to let the boys down. We were all out there together in it. That’s the best thing about this team, we are all good mates and no-one ever wants to give in.
“We were good in patches but we made too many mistakes and they punished us.
“Everyone involved in this team can be very proud of what we’ve achieved. At the start of the year, there wasn’t much belief within this group that we could make the grand final.
“But as the weeks went on, we started to become better mates and we started to play better. We had an amazing run in the finals and to make it right through to the end is an incredible feeling.”
