A Knights fan flys a massive flag during the Round 1 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Friday, March 9, 2018. (AAP Image/Darren Pateman) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Outside back for the Knights officially departs, joining a new NRL club in 2024.
“We’re looking forward to him joining us for the pre-season next year.”
Simi Sasagi, the Newcastle Knights’ outside back, will leave the club at the end of the season after the Canberra Raiders announced he would join them for the next two seasons.
Sasagi joins the Raiders on a two-year contract for the 2024 and 2025 seasons after leaving the Knights. He began his career with the Knights in 2018, playing for the club’s SG Ball team before rising through the ranks and making his NRL debut in Round 11 of 2021 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
He will add versatility to the Raiders as a former Junior Kiwis member. Despite his primary position as an outside back, he has also played in the halves and as a lock forward. He has played 17 games for the Knights in the NSW Cup this season while battling for a berth in the first-grade team.
He has six tries, three try assists, and six line breaks in these outings, as well as 2023 total running metres (averaging 119 per game) and 209 tackles with an 82 percent tackle efficiency.
Speaking about Sasagi’s arrival, Canberra Raiders Recruitment Manager Joel Carbone stated that he would add a lot of potential and skill to the squad for next season.
“Simi is a talented young player who will be able to join us next year and advance his career.” With the way the game is evolving, having players with utility value in your squad is critical. Simi has demonstrated it in his brief career, being able to play Lock Forward, Five-Eighth, Centre, and even Hooker,” Carbone remarked.
“We’re looking forward to him joining us for the pre-season next year and wish him all the best for the remainder of this season with Newcastle.”
