Hymel Hunt has officially put pen to paper on a brand-new contract extension, with the winger agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with the nib Newcastle Knights.
The 27-year-old has become one of the Club’s most reliable players since his arrival in 2019, missing only a handful of games, due to injury, over his three seasons in the Hunter.
Head Coach Adam O’Brien said he was pleased Hunt’s signature had been secured ahead of a busy end to the season.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Hymel recommit to the Club,” O’Brien said.
“We really missed him when he was out injured this year.
“He’s a big body who really helps get our sets started, his toughness and willingness to do the hard carries to help us get out of trouble is super important for our team.
“He’s also a great connector from the young players in the group right through to the senior leaders. Hymel’s an extremely popular member of the squad and we can’t wait to see what he can do over the next two seasons.”
A Redcliffe Dolphins junior, Hunt spent time with the Gold Coast, Melbourne and South Sydney before finding a home in Newcastle.
A textbook finisher, Hunt has crossed the stripe 20 times in Knights colours and averaged well over 100 metres a game.
It’s this type of consistency that saw Hunt rewarded with a place in the 2020 series-winning Maroons squad, as well as a weekly spot-on O’Brien’s team sheet.
Hunt all smiles after signing new deal
Now a 100-NRL-gamer and Samoan International, Hunt said he was excited to be extending his time in the Hunter.
“It’s unreal. With the direction the Club’s heading in and how close we are as a squad, I’m excited to extend for the next two years,” Hunt said.
“The Knights are my home. My fiancé and I are settled here.
“I just love the Club and love the footy we are playing as well.”
Hunt’s new deal will see him remain in red and blue until at least the end of the 2023 season.
100 NRL Games for Hymel Hunt
