Rick Stone a Knight for an additional four years

RICK STONE - A KNIGHT FOR AN ADDITIONAL FOUR YEARS

The Coal & Allied Newcastle Knights today confirmed the signing of current NRL coach Rick Stone to a new agreement.

A local product who joined the Knights in 2006 as Assistant Coach to Michael Hagan and then Brian Smith, Rick was appointed as Coach of the Newcastle NRL team in 2009.

The popular clubman will be Assistant to Wayne Bennett who joins the club next season as Head Coach.
Hunter Sports Group CEO Troy Palmer believes the signing of Stone was important to ensure continuity in the Knights programmes across the board.

"Rick has a great affinity and understanding of this Football Club, our development programmes and the region," Palmer said.

"Together with Wayne Bennett, they form a team which is perfect to launch a stable platform as we head into a new era."

"I have no doubt with the signing of Rick for four more years, our players will lift to ensure we finish on a high this year for our fans, the Club and Rick Stone."

Rick is excited to be remaining at the Knights and is looking forward to the coming four years.
"The focus for the entire team is on this year as there is still a long way to go, but its great to have my future secure. I am very excited about what the Hunter Sports Group has planned overall for the Hunter and its wonderful to be a part of it," said Rick today.

The Knights take on the Brian Smith coached Roosters this Sunday at 3pm at Ausgrid Stadium.