Second time around: Knights land Penrith’s halfback deputy

Former Knight Jack Cogger will be returning to Newcastle next year for a second stint after he chose a three-year deal from his original NRL club over a two-year extension with the Penrith Panthers.

Cogger, 25, will sign with the Knights through to the 2026 NRL season.

The Panthers were quite interested in keeping their back-up halfback, especially considering the success he’s had deputising for Nathan Cleary through the superstar’s injury problems and State of Origin absences, but their two-year offer wasn’t enough to sway the 25-year-old as he looks for more consistent playing minutes.

He originally played for the Knights up until 2018, making 20 appearances. Since then he played for Canterbury and Huddersfield before Penrith added him to the stables on a 12-month deal for 2023.

Cogger will face a tough battle with Jackson Hastings for the number seven jumper. While Hastings is no sure-fire lock to keep the spot, he is signed for the same amount of years and is being paid around $600,000 per season for his services. He has been a solid addition to the squad so far this season under Adam O’Brien.

The Knights are right in the middle of a strong period for the club mid-season, having won four in a row since narrowly losing to the Panthers 20-12 in round 17. This particular hot streak includes a 66-0 demolition of the Bulldogs and an eight-point boilover against the Storm.

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Newcastle is also still interested in talking to unwanted Dragon Jayden Sullivan and will meet with the Red V young gun sometime early next week to sound out options.

The club is also quietly shopping for coach picks, though says Adam O’Brien is “safe.”