If it was up to the Knights, they would have retained the young back-rower – but for Joel Edwards and his manager, they advised the club that they would be rejecting the 2-year offer, in search of greener pastures.
Although the Knights were disappointed that their junior chose not to remain at the club, they wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“Joel has decided not to take up our significant two year offer to remain at the Knights beyond this season,†CEO Matt Gidley said.
“We are proud to have seven local players in this weekend’s first grade squad and that is without the injured trio of Kade Snowden, Kurt Gidley and Ryan Stig.
“It is disappointing that Joel has made the decision not to be with them next season.
“We wish him all the best in his future and he will leave the Knights at the end of the season with our best wishes.”
The knock-back by Edwards, means that the club can focus on their 2013 recruitment, and Edwards can focus on his future, as he searches for a new club.
“Our focus will now return to our strategy on ensuring the current high percentage of local talent in our NRL team remains as we build our squad for 2013 and beyond,†Gidley added.