Andrew McCullough joins Knights for 2020 NRL season

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce Andrew McCullough has joined the Club for the remainder of the 2020 season.   

A former Queensland State of Origin representative, the 30-year-old hooker joins the Knights after securing an early release from his contract with Brisbane. 

Having lost Jayden Brailey for the season due to an ACL injury, coach Adam O’Brien said the addition of McCullough to the Knights roster will go a long way to help fill the void given the length of the season.

“We are in a position thanks to good governance from Alex McKinnon to have a top 30 spot available to secure someone of Andrew McCullough’s calibre,” O’Brien said.

“As one of the leaders of the Club, it’s my responsibility to be looking at recruitment and retention to have us field a competitive team each week.

“We are on foreign ground with the draw stating we have to play 18 game straight and we need to forward plan.

“We have faith in the depth of our roster but also recognise that promising talent Chris Randall is on the start of his journey having joined the team as a train and trial player late last year.

“Connor Watson is another exceptional player who can fill the role at Nine but given his versatility it’s important for the make-up of the team to keep him in his current explosive role.

Taking a holistic approach to the team, the recruitment of Andrew McCullough gives us valuable experience at the highest level.”

A former Australian Schoolboy, McCullough brings 260 games of NRL experience with him after debuting back in 2008.

At 180 centimetres and 90 kilos, the Dalby Devils junior is a workhorse in defence and will complement the squad.

“Andrew is a quality defensive player with a consistent passing game and kick threat,” O’Brien said.

“He’s a senior player with maturity which will only compliment Mitchell Pearce, Kurt Mann and Kalyn Ponga in the spine.

“I am looking forward to having him join our roster ahead of the 2020 season resumption.”