Newcastle juniors Kade Snowden and Jake Mamo have both agreed to two-year contract extensions, keeping them at the Newcastle Knights until at least the end of season 2017.
For 28-year-old Snowden, he hopes it means playing out his career in red and blue, while for 20-year-old Mamo, he hopes it is his opportunity to play regular NRL football.
“I am a Newcastle junior and I have grown up here,” Snowden explains.
“Newcastle is a great place to live and a great team to play for.”
Snowden joined the Knights in 2002 as a 15-year-old, made his NRL debut in 2005, left the Club in 2008 and played four years at the Cronulla Sharks before returning home in 2012 on a four-year contract.
“I never wanted to go anywhere else, so I am happy to be staying here,” the prop added.
“It is a massive honour to get another two years. It could see me out and I would be very happy to finish my career here.”
Like Snowden, Mamo has progressed through the Knights system. The young speedster made his NRL debut in 2014 while eligible to play Under 20s and has played 7 NRL matches to date.
“I am very pleased to have re-signed another two years with the Knights,” Mamo said.
“It was always about Newcastle for me, growing up on the Central Coast and supporting the Knights.
“The Club means a lot to me, and it means a lot to the community. That is what I love about it, we are such a community based team.”
Mamo has stepped up this season from the Under 20s into the full time squad and has been playing at fullback in NSW Cup.
“I have spoken to (Rick) Stoney and he expressed there will be opportunities for me here so I am happy to be staying at the Knights,” Mamo added.
“Going forward, I would like to make it as a fullback. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am happy to do that.
“I would love to be playing in the first team but I understand there are some players ahead of me at the moment.
“The opportunities may come this year, I hope it is this year, but I will bide my time and take my chance whenever it does come.”
For the Club, extending the contract of two local juniors at different stages of their career is pleasing.
“Kade has become a really strong forward leader for the Football Club and his one of our most consistent players this year,” Director of Football Michael Hagan said.
“Kade will have a good influence over young front rowers including Korbin Sims and Jack Stockwell.”
While Hagan adds the future is bright for Mamo.
“Jake has developed into one of the game's most exciting outside backs. He has pure speed, great instincts for the game and is supremely fit,” he said.
“We are confident he will develop the skills to be a top line fullback at our club for a long time.”
