NewsBite

Edrick Lee says he’s ready to reach new heights in Newcastle

They are words every Newcastle Knights fan will relish hearing: the best of Edrick Lee is yet to come. In new surrounds the player himself tips he’ll go to another level.

Edrick Lee says he’s ready to hit new levels in the Hunter. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Edrick Lee says he’s ready to hit new levels in the Hunter. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

They are words every Newcastle Knights fan will relish hearing: the best of Edrick Lee is yet to come.

The 26-year-old winger who scored 12 tries and made 14 line-breaks for Cronulla in 2018 believes the move up the M1 will take his game to a new level.

Not just because of new coaching staff and the influence of players like Mitchell Pearce on his game either.

It’s the place itself that Lee feels will make him a better footballer.

Edrick Lee says he’s ready to hit new levels in the Hunter. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Edrick Lee says he’s ready to hit new levels in the Hunter. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“I think my best is yet to come,” Lee said.

“This year that I had was just touching the surface.

“With the help of Browny (coach Nathan Brown) and the coaching staff here, I really feel I can get to another level, especially just being away from Sydney, the fast lifestyle, being more comfortable up here.

“I believe I can take my game to another level and really give my best over the next couple of years here.”

Lee joins up with former Sharks teammate Jesse Ramien in the Knights’ backline for 2019 but he’s keen to start working with the other players at Newcastle too.

Lee was a prolific try-scorer for the Sharks last season. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)
Lee was a prolific try-scorer for the Sharks last season. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

The mix of experience and exciting young talent was a big drawcard for him.

While the likes of playmakers Kalyn Ponga and Connor Watson are still in the rehab group, Lee has settled quickly in his first week at his new club.

“They’ve got a young, exciting roster with a few of the older heads in Aidan Guerra and Mitchell Pearce,” Lee said.

“There are a few players I’ve always wanted to play with as well.

“I thought Newcastle would be a perfect fit for myself. I don’t really like the city so Newcastle is a great lifestyle for my football and allows me to focus … on my football.”

Lee backed former teammate Valentine Holmes to succeed in the NFL. (AAP Image/Brendan Esposito)
Lee backed former teammate Valentine Holmes to succeed in the NFL. (AAP Image/Brendan Esposito)

One aspect of football he won’t have to worry about in 2019 is coming up against former teammate Valentine Holmes after the Sharks’ fullback was released to try an NFL career.

Lee described Holmes as the “perfect fit” for the American code and predicted a successful stint could see others follow suit.

If he gives it a red-hot crack, I’m sure he’ll do well,” he said.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of it with Val looking to go to the NFL, but with his skill set and the way he can control his body, I think he’d be a perfect fit.

“It will be a great door opener for future NRL players, if they head over to NFL.”

Every Test, ODI & T20I live, ad-break free during play and in 4K. Only on Foxtel. SIGN UP TODAY!

Originally published as Edrick Lee says he’s ready to reach new heights in Newcastle

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/knights/edrick-lee-says-hes-ready-to-reach-new-heights-in-newcastle/news-story/bc8dfcc875c63d6d76e6b782c0dd3be0