The nib Newcastle Knights have re-signed exciting utility Simi Sasagi for a further two years, seeing him remain in red and blue until at least the end of the 2024 National Rugby League season.
Blessed with the versatility to play centre, five-eighth or lock, Sasagi moved to Newcastle from New Zealand in 2017 to play with the Knights SG Ball team while completing his schooling at St Marys Gateshead.
In 2018, the Ellerslie Junior enjoyed a year to remember, playing SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup before signing a new contract which saw him go on to complete the 2019 and 2020 pre-seasons as part of the Knights NRL squad.
Sasagi made his NRL Debut under Head Coach Adam O’Brien in round 11 of the 2021 season, lining up in the centres against the North Queensland Cowboys at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
He has since featured in eight NRL matches, five of which have come during 2022.
Knights Head of Recruitment Clint Zammit says Sasagi’s best football is in front of him, especially given the heavy disruption of 2020 and 2021, which saw the 21 year-old miss a lot of football due to COVID-19 impacts and injury.
“Simi has made steady progression over the past year and is developing nicely,” Zammit said.
“His skill set and versatility to play numerous positions makes him an important part of our squad.
“If he continues to apply himself and work hard, he will play a lot more NRL in the future.”
Sasagi celebrated his 21st birthday on Sunday 24th April this year, when he replaced injured centre Dane Gagai against the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium.
This Sunday the versatile utility has been named on the bench against the Penrith Panthers, looking to inject himself in his ninth NRL appearance in the red and blue jersey, in front of our loyal Knights members and supporters.
