In an ideal world, he would not want to leave the club, but there comes a time when players know that leaving is their only option – and for young Knights forward Kyle O’Donnell, he has done just that, signing a 2-year deal witn Penrith from the 2013 NRL season.
Kyle, who is the younger brother of former Cowboy Luke O’Donnell, joined the Knights in 2011, playing mostly in the NSW Cup, before being rewarded with a first-grade opportunity in Rd 18 of this year.
“We thank Kyle for his contribution to the Knights and wish him well as he continues his NRL career at the Panthers,†CEO Matt Gidley said.
For O’Donnell, it was the opportunity to play regular first-grade, that convinced him a move to the Panthers was the right one.
“I have enjoyed my time at Newcastle but going to Penrith is a good opportunity for me to advance my career in the NRL,†O’Donnell said.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the Knights and I am grateful for the time I have had here; it is a great club with great people.
“I look forward to the rest of the year with the Knights and hopefully playing more first grade before I leave.â€