Knights sign another Dragons rookie

Newcastle have signed promising St George Illawarra rookie Keith Lulia to a two-year deal from next season.

Knights coach Brian Smith says the 20-year-old, who can play both back row and centre, first caught the club's attention when he scored a 60-metre try against Newcastle earlier this season.

The club has also retained young front rower Tim Natusch for another two seasons.

Meanwhile, Knights back-rower Cory Paterson has been ruled out of Monday's clash with Melbourne with a shoulder injury. Five-eighth Jarrod Mullen will likely undergo a fitness test this weekend to determine whether he is fit to return from a quad injury.