Josh Starling has joined the nib Newcastle Knights on a one-year contract.
The 26-year-old prop forward has played 67 first grade matches at the Manly Sea Eagles and the South Sydney Rabbitohs over the last five years.
“Josh is a good competitor, a great trainer and does a lot of wonderful work in the community,” coach Nathan Brown said.
“These are all qualities on and off the field that are important to have around our young squad.”
Starling joins another former Manly player at the Knights in Jamie Buhrer, and is coming off a solid 2016 season in which he played 20 matches.
“It has all happened quickly but it is great to join the Knights,” Starling said.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead. There are no guarantees, so I have to train hard and earn my spot.
“There is a lot of young talent at the Club and that is exciting to be a part of.”
Earlier in the week the Knights announced the signing of Ken Sio, on a two-year contract.
A powerful and pacey back, Sio played 57 games for the Parramatta Eels between 2011 and 2014, before moving to the Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League.
The 26-year-old returns to Australia having scored 67 tries in 105 first grade matches in both countries, and provides additional firepower to the Club’s backs.
“We are pleased to be able to add Ken to our group after he had two good seasons in the English Super League,” Brown said.
“While still only 26-years-old, he brings valuable experience to our squad having made his NRL debut at a young age.”
Predominantly a winger, Sio switched to the fullback position for Hull KR towards the end of the 2016 season and impressed there by winning both the club’s Try of the Year and Tackle of the Year awards.
Photo: Josh Starling has headed north from Manly to Newcastle for 2017 (nrlphotos.com)
