It?s Official - Smith joins Knights

Parramatta coach Brian Smith will join Newcastle next season after agreeing to a three-year deal with the 2005 NRL wooden spooners, the Knights' board has announced.

The deal brings to an end the Knights' month long search for a new coach after it was revealed current coach Michael Hagan had accepted a three-year offer to head to Parramatta from 2007. Smith was told in November last year that his contract with the Eels would not be renewed beyond this season, making this his 10th and final campaign in charge of the 2005 minor premiers.

It was a case of third time lucky for the Knights who's attempts to lure Wests Tigers premiership winning coach Tim Sheens and Canberra mentor Matthew Elliott to the club both ended in disappointment. The announcement is sure to add extra spice to Saturday's opening round clash between the Knights and Eels at EnergyAustralia Stadium, with both coaches going up against the club they will be in charge of in 2007.