The nib Newcastle Knights have extended the contract of Phoenix Crossland for an additional two years, ensuring the local junior remains a One-Club player until at least the end of the 2028 National Rugby League season.
Crossland, 24, made his international debut for New Zealand in the Pacific Championships last October, after another outstanding season of resilience and versatility for the Newcastle Knights.
Born in Wellington and raised on the Central Coast, Phoenix has risen through the Knights pathways system, making his NRL debut at just 18 years of age against the New Zealand Warriors in Round 16, 2019.
nib Newcastle Knights Head of Recruitment, Peter O’Sullivan, said Crossland will play a huge role for the Club moving forward.
“Pound-for-pound, Phoenix is one of the toughest players in the NRL," said O’Sullivan.
“With his work ethic, evolving hooker play and ongoing leadership development, Phoenix is fast becoming a poster boy for our pathways development and a genuine role model for aspiring juniors.
“With Phoenix locked in long term, along with Matt Arthur, Dylan Brown, Fletcher Sharpe and Kalyn Ponga, our key positions have strong stability.
"Add in Bradman Best, Jacob Saifiti and Dylan Lucas, and it's clear we have big pieces of the puzzle cemented in place for a long time.”
