Young gun to join on three-year deal as Holbrook hails “exciting talent”

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS SECURE PRE-CONTRACT WITH PENRITH PANTHERS FULLBACK JAXEN EDGAR

 

Young gun to join on three-year deal as Holbrook hails “exciting talent”

 

The Newcastle Knights have today confirmed the signing of Jaxen Edgar on a pre-contract agreement, with the fullback set to join the club from the Penrith Panthers on a three-year deal commencing in 2027.

 

The 21-year-old, who made his NRL debut for Penrith in the 2025 season, has put pen to paper on terms that will see him wear the red and blue until at least the end of 2029. Edgar, a product of St Dominic’s College Penrith and Brothers Penrith juniors, emerged through the Panthers’ pathways system, earning recognition as the 2023 Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year and representing Australian Schoolboys the same year.

 

In his debut NRL appearance against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs last September, Edgar was activated as 18th man late in the match, showcasing the speed and agility that have marked him as one of the game’s rising stars. He has also featured prominently in the NSW Cup, scoring tries against sides including Newcastle during the 2024 season.

 

Newcastle Knights head coach Justin Holbrook expressed his delight at securing Edgar’s services, highlighting the youngster’s potential to strengthen the club’s backline depth.

 

“Jaxen is an exciting young talent who we’ve been tracking closely for some time,” Holbrook said. “He has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level – pace, skill, and a strong work ethic that aligns perfectly with our culture here at the Knights. Having come through one of the best pathways systems in the NRL, he brings valuable experience and a winning mindset to our squad. We’re confident he will develop into a key player for us in the years ahead.”

 

The pre-contract agreement solidifies Newcastle’s commitment to building a balanced roster, combining established stars with emerging talent. Edgar will remain with the Panthers for the 2026 season to continue his development before relocating to the Hunter Valley ahead of the 2027 campaign.

 

Knights CEO Philip Gardner added: “Securing a player of Jaxen’s caliber demonstrates our ambition to compete at the top of the NRL. We’re investing in the future of our club, and we look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle next year.”