The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to confirm Brayden Musgrove has agreed to a two-year NRL contract, securing a Top 30 spot after an outstanding summer on a train and trial contract.
A local junior, Musgrove's new deal will see the 23-year-old re-join the Knights, where he started his rugby league journey as a 15-year-old in the Harold Matthews Cup.
Musgrove started 2020 with the Manly Sea Eagles, before returning to the local league with the Cessnock Goannas, where the powerful young centre played a key role in the Goannas march to the Newcastle Rugby League premiership.
Newcastle Knights Head Coach Adam O’Brien said Musgrove's new deal was a just reward for his hard work and determination on the training paddock.
“This is a great reward for Brayden, he has trained really hard and earned this opportunity," he said.
"He is a powerful carrier of the football and a finisher who finds the try line.
“It is also great to have a player progress from the local league back into the Knights."
Musgrove shared his excitement directly after Coach O’Brien told him the good news.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited to re-join the Knights on a full-time contract," Musgrove said.
Musgrove: New deal and goals going forward
“Mum and Dad have always believed in my ability, but I had my doubts thinking other players were better.
"Now I’m comfortable playing at this level and have set my sights on an NRL debut.
“Last year playing at Cessnock helped me find the love for footy again. I decided to take the pressure off and just enjoy playing with my mates.
"At the end of the season, I realised how much I missed professional footy and wanted to chase that dream again."
An outside back who is at home on the wing or in the centres, Musgrove will be given the opportunity to push for his NRL debut and provide greater depth to the outside backs.
The new deal will see Musgrove remain a Knight until at least the end of the 2022 season.
