Knights back-rower off to England

The move was seemingly on the cards for a while and it is now all official, with the Hull Kingston Rovers confirming that Newcastle Knights back-rower Neville Costiga will join the club on a 2-year deal from 2014.

With an NRL career that has spanned 10 years, Costigan has played in more than 150 NRL games for several clubs and won a grand final during his time at the St George Illwarra Dragons in 2010.

With the move to Hull KR, it will be made easier by the fact that he is very familiar with some players at the club and especially with coach Craig Sandercock.

Sandercock was an assistant coach at Knights when Costigan first moved to the Hunter, so the two are well acquainted, as Sandercock looks forward to getting to work with Costigan again.

It is the experience and versatility he brings to a side, that has the Hull KR coach excited to have him on board.

“Nev is a quality player and one who has won a Grand Final, represented his country and played State of Origin,” he said.

“He’ll bring a lot to our team and that’s why I was keen to get him over Online Pokies to our club. Nev was a pleasure to coach when I was with Newcastle and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

Costigan, who joined the Knights in 2011 and is nearing 50 games for the clubs will be missed, as Knights CEO Matt Gidley wishes him the best for next year.

“We would like to thank Neville for his contribution to our Club over the last three years,” Gidley said.

“On behalf of everyone involved at the Knights, we would like to wish Neville the best of luck for the remainder of his career.”

Costigan, still only 28, is looking forward to linking up with Sandercock once more but knows there is a job to do, and wants to help the Knights make the finals in 2013.

“I have really enjoyed playing for the Knights and I will definitely miss Newcastle when it is time to leave,” the 28-year old said on Monday.

“It is a great opportunity to go over and play for Hull KR under Craig but right now, I am just focused on this season with the Knights.

“Hopefully we can finish the season well and continue playing like we have over the last month.”