Former Raider gets two year contract.
The Newcastle Knights have solved their hooker crisis by signing Travis Waddell on a two year contract.
According to Fox Sports Waddell was dropped by the Canberra Raiders at the end of last season and was looking at a relegation to the Queensland Cup before being handed a lifeline by Knights coach Wayne Bennett.
Super coach Bennett offered Waddell the opportunity to train with the NRL club during the off-season. Following injuries to Danny Buderus and back-up Matt Hilder the 23 year-old will get the chance to play for the Knights in their opening rounds.
While the All-Stars Indigenous representative solves a short term problem for the Knights, this does give the young player the opportunity to forge a long term role with the club.
After playing 53 games for the Raiders before being dropped, Waddell looks to have found a way back into top level competition with the Knights.
Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley is relieved to have a player with Waddell’s experience to fill in for the injured players, and believes that the ex-Raider has the potential to become a regular fixture at the Knights.
“With this season being Danny Buderus’ last, it will be great to have someone with Travis experience working alongside Danny, Matt Hilder and the host of young hookers we having coming through our system,” Gidley said in a statement.
“Travis has a big future ahead of him and we can provide the best environment for him to reach his potential.”
The Knights will start the NRL season on Monday in their opening round clash against the West Tigers.
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