Warriors extend Wayde Egan, Knights hire Anthony Field as new head of recruitment, Alex McKinnon, Bulldogs re-sign AJ Jones, news and updates, daily

Star No. 9 Wayde Egan won’t negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 after signing an extension with the Warriors.

Several stars are set to hit free agency from next Sunday, but Egan won’t be one of them, with the 29-year-old inking a one-year extension to tie him to the club until at least the end of 2028.

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Egan would have been highly sought after had he hit the open market.

He’s gone from strength to strength at the Warriors since joining in 2020, becoming one of the game’s best hookers.

Egan enjoyed arguably his best season yet this year, winning the Dally M Hooker of the Year.

“Wayde is brilliant, an elite hooker who’s so smart in his all-round game and a player who provides so much in every respect around the club,” Warriors coach Andrew Webster said via a club-issued statement.

“We’ve got a style of play we put around him so he can show his talent. He’s exceptional and a player we’re so happy to see staying at the club.”

While Egan is locked in for another year, the Warriors have allowed reserve rake Sam Healey to explore his options elsewhere.

Egan and Healey formed a strong one-two punch but Egan is now expected to backed up by rising star Makaia Tafua next season.

Taufa made his NRL debut this year and was named in the NSW Cup team of the year.

KNIGHTS’ TIMELY MOVE AFTER RECRUITMENT GURU’S EXIT

Newcastle have moved swiftly to replace former recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan, appointing ex-player agent Anthony Field to the role of Knights Head of Recruitment.

Recruitment guru O’Sullivan left the club to take up a lucrative offer from the Broncos, leaving the vacancy at Newcastle.

While Field will become Head of Recruitment, former Knights player and foxsports.com.au contributor Alex McKinnon has moved into the newly created role of Pathways Recruitment Manager.

Director of Football Chris James says Field and McKinnon’s “eye for talent” means the club’s recruitment and pathways are in good shape heading forward.

“Anthony has been in the game a long time, from pathways to recruitment to becoming a successful player manager,” James said via a club-issued statement.

“His eye for talent and his strong relationships throughout the game has set Anthony up to help the Knights continue to build well into the future.

“Alex knows this Club and our pathways better than most, and this role recognises the work he has already done for us.

“Together they form a new team that is genuinely excited to work together, and that is a great outcome for the Knights.”

While he has represented high-profile clients Daly Cherry-Evans, Fletcher Sharpe and James Tedesco, Field has previously worked in recruitment with the Eels.

He will be thrust straight into action in his new gig, with the free agency window opening on November 1.

BULLDOGS EXTEND YOUNG GUN

The Bulldogs have locked down one of their rising stars, with Alekolasimi ‘AJ’ Jones inking a two-year extension with the club.

The 21-year-old enjoyed his first taste of NRL this season, playing in six games for the Bulldogs and proving why the club are excited with his potential.

Jones will be hoping to build on his rookie campaign and win a consistent spot in the Bulldogs’ 19 next season.

Jones, who can play anywhere in the back row, provided the Bulldogs’ pack with plenty of punch across his six NRL games this year.

He averaged just 21 minutes per game but ran for 55 metres per contest.

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould believes Jones is one of the club’s “brightest prospects”.

“AJ is one of our brightest prospects coming through the pathways system here and we couldn’t be happier to lock him in until the end of 2029,” Gould said via a club-issued statement.

“He got a good insight into what it takes to be an NRL player this year and we believe he has a very bright future as a Bulldog.”