Craig Smith a Novacastrion

Former St George Illawarra and Kiwi Test prop Craig Smith will make a return to the NRL after signing a one-year deal with Newcastle. Smith will most likely lace on the boots in Round 4, when the Knights take on the Cowboys at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

The lure of playing alongside modern superstars of the game in Andrew Johns and Danny Buderus was a factor for the burly forward, who has spent the past three seasons at Wigan in the English Super League.

Smith was playing local footy in the Wollongong comp before being sounded out by Newcastle and Parramatta in order to address injury concerns at both club.