Frizell confirmed and Watson to re-sign
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...l/news-story/7b060907cd76b8c41984bd690ca9b316
Tyson Frizell’s move from St George Illawarra to Newcastle confirmed by NRL
St George Illawarra’s misery has deepened after star backrower Tyson Frizell’s move to Newcastle for 2021 was confirmed by the NRL.
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
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June 3, 2020 4:53pm
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Forget about backflips or deals being called off, Tyson Frizell’s contract with Newcastle has been approved by the NRL.
Frizell agreed to a three-year $2.1 million deal with the Knights in late March, but the deal, revealed by The Daily Telegraph, is yet to be officially announced.
The Daily Telegraph revealed the Origin back-rower’s signing when the NRL had suspended all contract negotiations during the competition’s shutdown.
This prompted furious league fans to question how a deal for 2020 and beyond could be done when there was an official hiatus on new player contracts.
Frizell took to Twitter to confirm his Knights deal, saying: “I have signed and agreed to the terms but due to the current circumstances it has not been registered with the NRL.
“With respect to the media and fans, I would like to make no further comment on my contract until an appropriate time.”
Dragons coach Paul McGregor left the door open for Frizell to stay at the club in an interview in April.
“I’m not sure whether that contract has been registered yet or how that goes, but he’s always welcome to stay if he likes,” McGregor said.
Despite McGregor’s optimism,
Dragons officials always knew that Frizell was set on leaving for Newcastle.
The NRL have since approved the deal and official confirmation via Knights is expected in the coming days.
In more good news for Newcastle, the Knights will re-sign Connor Watson despite the hooker going down with a leg injury against Penrith.
Watson is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the Knights are keen to retain him on a long-term deal.
Frizell is a Test and Origin regular. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.
The playmaker’s manager Clinton Schifcofske confirmed Newcastle’s interest.
“We’ve been talking to the Knights for a couple of months now,” Schifcofske said.
“Everything (contract wise) went quiet with everyone, but Newcastle have always shown an interest in re-signing him.
“Connor’s preference is to stay there, so I don’t see any dramas.”
Watson’s injury is a blow for the Knights, but Schifcofske is confident his client can return ahead of schedule.
“He will be back in six weeks and he will be good as gold,” he said.
“He is having surgery on Thursday and they can knock over that surgery in six weeks these days.
“He will have plenty of opportunity to get back into the team.
“It (the injury) is disappointing, but it is what it is.
“Connor is also as professional as they come, so he will look after himself and get back as quickly as he can.”
