‘We wish him the best of luck’: Liam Knight granted immediate release to join the Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have strengthened their middle by signing a South Sydney forward who is a chance of playing this weekend.

The Bulldogs have bolstered their middle by signing Liam Knight from the Rabbitohs effective immediately.

The Bulldogs have strengthened their forward stocks by poaching South Sydney prop Liam Knight effective immediately on a deal that will keep him in Belmore until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Knight has struggled for opportunities at the Bunnies this season, restricted to just five games since coming back from a serious leg injury.

Liam Knight informed teammates at South Sydney training on Monday morning that he would be leaving. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Liam has an opportunity to play more consistent NRL-level football at another club and we have agreed to release him so he can take up that opportunity,” Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison said.

“We wish him the best of luck with his ongoing career, and he will always be a Rabbitoh.”

Knight, 28, has played 76 matches during stints with Manly, Canberra and South Sydney and is set to start training with the Bulldogs as early as Tuesday.

The Bulldogs have struggled through the middle all year, with the blue and whites averaging the fewest metres after 21 rounds of the competition.

The Bulldogs have struggled up front this year, but they will be helped this weekend with Viliame Kikau expected to return form injury. Picture: Julian Andrews

It hasn’t helped that they’ve been without the injured Viliame Kikau for most of the year, while Englishman Luke Thompson hasn’t played at all in 2023 due to a foot injury.

Knight’s arrival will help them plug a massive hole, while the versatile forward will also provide plenty of offloads to spark their struggling attack.

“We are delighted to have Liam on-board,” Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould said.

“He adds depth and experience to our forward stocks.”