nib Newcastle Knights winger Edrick Lee has inked a new contract with the Club for the 2022 season, with the Indigenous All Star and Queensland State of Origin representative successfully navigating a tough period of injuries.
Lee made an immediate impact on joining the Knights in 2019, with his infectious smile and try scoring prowess making him a firm favourite amongst Knights Members and fans.
In all, Lee featured in 25 matches for the Knights over seasons 2019 and 2020, crossing for 12 tries in that time. His overall tally of NRL appearances stands at 116 matches, scoring 59 tries at a strike rate of over 50 percent.
Lee: 'I'm grateful and excited to be back'
His influence extends beyond the field of play, with his work in the community seeing him nominated for the NRL’s peak community award, the Ken Stephen Medal, prior to joining the Knights.
Coach Adam O’Brien dropped the surprise announcement to the team on Wednesday morning, with the humble Maroons winger greeted by loud applause and elation from his teammates.
“Eddie plays a significant role in our club, he is extremely popular both on and off the field,” O’Brien said.
“His impact is huge, bringing a lot of joy to all our lives and to our community.
“I have personally witnessed how gritty and determined he has been to get through the last couple of years, it’s a real credit to him.
“From a footy perspective we have missed his experience, try scoring and powerful carries from the back of the field. Eddie also gives us a great aerial target on the last play with his height and athleticism."
In further news, powerful Knights backrower Leo Thompson will join Lee in the Knights Top 30, upgrading from a development contract to join the NRL squad.
Just 18 months into his rugby league journey, following a code switch from rugby union, Thompson joined the Knights from Canberra during the off season with impressive training and trial form seeing him rewarded with the upgrade.
