Veteran forward Chris Heighington leaves Cronulla for Newcastle on one-year deal

NEWCASTLE have boosted their depth in the forwards by signing dual premiership winner Chris Heighington on a one-year deal for 2018.

NEWCASTLE have bolstered their forward pack for the 2018 season by signing veteran Chris Heighington on a one-year deal.

The Central Coast product has played 318 matches for the Tigers and Sharks since making his debut in 2003 and won premierships with both clubs in 2005 and 2016 respectively.

At 35, Heighington will be one of the oldest players in the league once the 2018 season commences.

Heighington has won two premierships.

“I grew up on the Central Coast and always liked the Knights and I remember watching the 1997 and 2001 grand finals, so it just made sense,” said Heighington.

“There are some great young kids coming through the system and hopefully I can help out just as much off the field to see them grow as players.”

Heighington was recently named in England’s World Cup squad and will act as a mentor to Newcastle’s young forwards, including the Saifiti twins, Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Mitch Barnett

“Chris’ professionalism and his knowledge of the game will be a great asset to the Knights,” said Knights football manager Darren Mooney.

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“He will be able to provide strong leadership to our young players and will be able to assist in their development both on and off the field.”

Heighington will join fellow veteran Jacob Lillyman in the Hunter next season as part of a bumper crop of recruits, which includes Kalyn Ponga, Connor Watson, Aidan Guerra, Tautau Moga and Herman Ese’ese.

Originally published as Veteran forward Chris Heighington leaves Cronulla for Newcastle on one-year deal