Thomas Cant secures contract extension following rival bids.

Thomas Cant secures contract extension following rival bids

 

 

Newcastle Knights forward Thomas Cant has committed his immediate future to the club, signing a fresh contract extension that will keep the hard‑working forward in the red and blue until at least the end of 2028.

 

The 23‑year‑old, a local product of the East Maitland Griffins junior ranks, has been rewarded for his impressive development through the Knights pathways system — including captaining the Jersey Flegg side to a grand final — with a new two‑year deal that boosts his current arrangement.

 

Knights officials confirmed that Cant’s updated contract comes amid significant interest from rival NRL clubs, underlining his value in the market and the regard in which he is held across the competition.

 

Rival interest and commitment to Knights future

Newcastle’s Head of Recruitment, Peter O’Sullivan, praised Cant’s commitment to the club and said securing his signature was a priority during the off‑season.

“Tom is a Novacastrian through and through,” O’Sullivan said in a club statement. “He’s shown great commitment throughout his development from pathways into the NRL squad. We know there was strong interest and offers from other clubs, and we are pleased Tom has chosen to remain a Knight.”

 

Cant’s extended stay is a testament to his steady rise within the Knights squad after making his NRL debut in Round 3 of the 2023 season against the Dolphins at McDonald Jones Stadium. His work rate, leg speed, and developing football acumen have drawn attention from multiple clubs in recent weeks.

 

While specific financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the extension comes as a clear signal from Newcastle that Cant is part of the club’s long‑term plans under coach Justin Holbrook. Holbrook also expressed satisfaction at Cant’s decision to stay, noting the forward’s embodiment of the club’s values both on and off the field.

 

A product of the Knights system

Cant’s journey from local junior to NRL professional has been characteristically determined. After progressing through the club’s development programs, his debut was marked by enthusiastic support from supporters keen to see homegrown talent make an impact on the top stage.

 

Holbrook praised Cant’s attitude and improvement, saying his upgraded contract and extension were “a reward for effort”. The head coach highlighted Cant’s training performances during the off‑season, pointing to the forward’s increasing confidence and readiness to take on greater responsibility within the squad.

 

Looking ahead

With his future secured, Cant is expected to play a more prominent role for the Knights across the upcoming NRL seasons. His versatility and defensive work ethic make him a valuable asset in a team looking to build momentum after mixed results last year.

 

For Newcastle supporters, Cant’s extension offers both continuity and reassurance — a reminder that local juniors can progress into key contributors at NRL level, and that the Knights are committed to nurturing homegrown talent even amid interest from rival clubs.