Newcastle Knights forward Mat Croker has put an end to swirling rumors about a potential move to the Super League by signing a contract extension that will see him stay with the NRL side until the end of the 2025 season. The announcement follows recent reports suggesting that the 25-year-old forward was being offered to Super League clubs, with Castleford Tigers being one of the main teams rumored to be interested in his services. However, this speculation has now been firmly dismissed as Croker commits his immediate future to the Newcastle Knights.
Croker has been a part of Newcastle’s system since 2014 when he was selected for the club’s development squad. Over the years, he has steadily progressed through the ranks, eventually making his NRL debut in 2021. Since his debut, Croker has made 58 first-grade appearances, all for the Knights, where he has become an important figure in the team’s forward pack.
The contract extension is a big win for the Knights, as Croker has been performing some of his best rugby in the 2024 season. He has earned praise for his versatility, hard work, and leadership qualities both on and off the field. His efforts did not go unnoticed, with Newcastle’s director of football, Peter Parr, expressing the club’s delight at securing the services of the talented forward for at least another season.
“Mat has played some of his best football this year. He is an integral part of the team and a major contributor both on and off the field. We are thrilled that someone of his quality is remaining at the club,” Parr said in a statement.
This news will be welcomed by Newcastle Knights fans, who have witnessed Croker develop into a key member of their squad. His leadership and dedication have earned him a loyal following, and his decision to stay ensures that the Knights will retain one of their standout performers as they look to build on their 2024 campaign.
Croker’s extension also quashes reports from Rugby League Live and other sources that had speculated on a possible move to the Super League. Last month, it was suggested that Croker had been offered to Super League clubs for the 2025 season, with Castleford Tigers reportedly showing interest. Castleford, who have been active in the transfer market, were linked with bringing Croker to bolster their squad ahead of next season. However, with this contract extension in place, Croker will not be joining the Super League ranks anytime soon.
The speculation surrounding Croker had come amid a busy transfer window for Castleford, who have already made several high-profile signings ahead of the 2025 season. The Tigers have completed the permanent signing of Zac Cini from the Parramatta Eels, a versatile backline player, and they are also in pursuit of Daejarn Asi, a talented half-back and Samoa international, who could make a move from the Eels as his future in the NRL looks uncertain.
Castleford’s recruitment efforts have also seen them linked with Papua New Guinea international Judah Rimbu. Rimbu, 22, has recently been awarded the Petero Civoniceva Medal for his outstanding performances in the Queensland Cup this season. The dynamic hooker, who can also play as a half-back, has caught the attention of several Super League clubs, and Castleford are hopeful of bringing him into their ranks.
The Tigers’ aggressive recruitment strategy is part of a broader effort to strengthen their squad for next season. In addition to Cini, Asi, and Rimbu, they have already secured the services of players like Tex Hoy, Louis, and Innes Senior, all of whom will be key parts of their squad moving forward.
While Castleford looks to build for the future, Newcastle Knights fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Mat Croker will continue to wear the red and blue for at least another season. With his future secured, Croker will no doubt look to continue his impressive form and help the Knights push for further success in the NRL in 2025.
