Giant forward Dane Aukafolau has joined the nib Newcastle Knights after signing a top 30 National Rugby League contract for the remainder of the 2023.
Aukafolau, 26, has played 100 NSW Cup matches, after coming through the powerful Cabramatta junior nursery into the Parramatta junior representative grades, including three seasons for Parramatta Eels in the National Youth Competition.
The former Junior Kiwi representative caught the attention of Knights recruitment after several strong appearances for the North Sydney Bears in the KOE NSW Cup competition this season.
Tipping the scales at 100kgs and standing at 194cms (6’4”) the mobile forward brings size and strength to the Knights forward pack.
nib Newcastle Knights Director of Football Peter Parr said this signing adds a real point of difference to the playing group.
“Dane’s form in the NSW Cup competition has been at a high level and we believe he has the necessary skillset to play NRL, Parr said.”
The Knights have welcomed Dane to Newcastle, including his first training session today at the Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadow, where he met his new teammates and staff for the first time.
Dane will make his Knights club debut in NSW Cup at McDonald Jones Stadium this Sunday at 11.30am, directly followed by the Knights v Titans NRL clash at 2pm.
