The Newcastle Knights have snatched another rising playmaker from the Parramatta Eels, with highly rated youngster Matthew Hunter signing a three-year deal to head north.
Seen as one of the top prospects in the Eels’ system, Hunter has captained the club’s Jersey Flegg Cup side while also making nine appearances in the NSW Cup this season.
The 20-year-old has been in standout form, with five tries, five try assists, and seven line-break assists to his name, along with an average of 90.6 kicking metres per game.
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Capable of playing both five-eighth and halfback, Hunter is regarded not just for his skill with ball in hand, but for his exceptional game management and footy IQ, traits the Knights are banking on as they shape their future spine.
Hunter follows Dylan Brown in Eels-to-Knights shift
The signing continues Newcastle’s recruitment push following the high-profile capture of New Zealand international Dylan Brown earlier in the year.
With several changes already reshaping their roster, the Knights are clearly focused on long-term development.
Originally from North Queensland, Hunter now joins a growing list of Parramatta products moving elsewhere in search of opportunity.
While the Eels will be disappointed to lose such a polished young talent, the Knights are confident they’ve landed a future NRL star.