In demand Newcastle Knights forward Cory Paterson has chosen to stay with the Newcastle club for 3 more years.
Showing plenty of ability since his debut, Patterson was chased heavily by other NRL clubs and even had discussions around a possible switch to NFL in the USA. The talented Knights forward has the power of leading backrowers, along with the silky skills and offloads of players half his size.
With the pressure on the Knights to keep Patterson, it’s believed Newcastle legend Paul Harragon helped the club secure the signature of the rookie forward.
“Chief had a big influence over my decision,†Paterson said.
“I’m very happy my contract negotiations are sorted and I can really concentrate on my football and the season ahead.”
With Brian Smith cleaning-out much of the deadwood at Newcastle, the signing of Patterson sends a strong message to the player and club – quality talent will be secured and the new look Knights are shaping up to be stronger and stronger.
Newcastle have plenty of depth in the halves it seems in 2009 with Jarrod Mullen, Luke Walsh, Scott Dureau and Ben Rogers all able to comfortably take the reigns.
Their 2009 NRL roster is also blessed with the likes of Kurt Gidley a true game breaker with the ultimate utility value and upcoming speedsters Aku Uate and Cooper Vuna who will no doubt cause havoc on the flanks.