Following a breakout season in the NRL, expect to see a lot more of homegrown talent Fletcher Sharpe at the Newcastle Knights.
The Cessnock Goannas product recently put pen to paper on a new deal, which will keep him at the club until at least 2028.
It’s a fitting reward for the 20-year-old, who not only debuted in the top grade against the Melbourne Storm in round 14 but also scored 11 tries in 12 appearances.
That earned him the Knights Rookie of the Year award as well as a berth in the Prime Ministers XIII for the clash with PNG in Port Moresby.
“I’ve been here since I started playing rep footy, so to get that opportunity to give back to Newcastle, who’s given so much to me, I’m super grateful,” Sharpe said.
“I wasn’t looking to go anywhere else.
“So, I’m super excited to re-sign.
“My main focus, now, is bringing success to the club.
“I’ve got full belief, moving forward, that we’re heading in the right direction.
“Seeing what’s occurred in pre-season training confirms that.”
It’s been a meteoric rise for Sharpe, who honed his skills in the Coalfields.
However, his trajectory to the NRL has even surprised the youngster.
“I didn’t really imagine myself signing deals like this,” he said.
“It was only last year that I did my first full pre-season… then everything happened quickly.
“I had a bit of time to reflect on it over the break and realise it was pretty special.
“To be honest, I try and hide at home, still around Cessnock… it’s good to get back there.
“But, I’m really excited to jump into things here again.
“I had a good pre-Christmas, like all of the guys, and we’ll now focus on the season ahead and starting strongly.
“If we do the hard work now, I’m sure it’ll pay off down the track.”
While Sharpe made the wing position his own in 2024, it appears as though coach Adam O’Brien might have a trick or two up his sleeve.
It’s understood the local young gun was seen training in the halves.
“I’ve been everywhere [at training]… and I’ll be wherever I need to be,” he said.
“I’ll play from 1 to 17, whatever that looks like for me.
“I’ve worked on a few different roles in the pre-season, which will probably help my game in general, too.
“However, I’m sure I’ll be in good stead for wherever I end up.
“I am still learning my craft, what is the best part of my game… things like that.
“In fairness, I’d never played wing before.
“When Adz (O’Brien) spoke to me, I didn’t know what to expect.
“But, he was great; he gave me full confidence in myself, allowing me to go out there and do my thing.”
In fact, Sharpe credits O’Brien for his massive input.
“He’s part of the reason I stayed here,” he admitted.
“Adz not only gave me an opportunity, he settled my nerves and talked me through every step of the way.
“He was awesome.
“I think the confidence he gives me, and the other blokes in the squad, will ensure we have a big year.”
Knights head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said the club was delighted to extend Sharpe’s contract.
“I have admired Fletcher from afar for a long time,” he admitted.
“Watching him go about his work at the back end of last year, and again this off-season, has further opened my eyes, he is a talented and hard-working player.
“Adam spoke about him being a genuine footy player, no matter where you played him or whatever the role you give him, he just gets the job done.
“He is local boy through and through, exactly the type of player and person you can build a club around, we are delighted he is extending his career with Newcastle.”