He may boast a surname associated with a former rugby league player but Krys Freeman is determined to become his own man and his own player, after signing a 1-year deal with the Newcastle Knights.
Krys is the son of former rugby league player and now commentator Gary Freeman, who has signed with the Knights from Intrust Super Cup side Norths Devils, in a bid to gain opportunity and to test himself.
Primarily a hooker, Freeman is also adept in the back-row and it was his form for Norths that caught the eye of Knights coach Nathan Brown.
“We have acquired Krys in the last day… he had a really good year with North Devils,†coach Nathan Brown said.
“He’s another option at hooker and can help put a little pressure on Tyler Randell and Danny Levi.â€
The versatility coupled with the 1-year deal will motivate Freeman and spur him on, in the eyes of Brown.
“He’s here for a year and is a hungry kid and has got himself down here, he has a job and somewhere to live, so is going to give it his best shot,†Brown added.
“If he does make it that would be great, but if he doesn’t he will look back and know he’s given his best shot.
“We are comfortable with his form in the Queensland Cup and what he achieved.
“He had an unfortunate run with injury when he was with Penrith and sometimes those younger kids can lost in the wash up.”