Newcastle RL | Former Knights utility Dylan Phythian has signed with the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup after quitting Newcastle club Lakes United

Phythian could make his Bears debut as early as this Sunday against Tweed Heads Seagulls after informing Lakes coach Todd Edwards on Wednesday of his opportunity.

Edwards said the club will not stand in his way.

“We are obviously disappointed because we are losing a quality player and a really good kid but there was always a possibility this might happen and he goes with our blessing,”Edwards said.

“We are not going to hold him back. I can’t fault the kid, he’s been awesome. He hasn’t missed a training session or game and before last week, he was running the water for us and has been great around the group.” 

Edwards revealed he had been planning to use Phythian at hooker for the remainder of the season after he came off the bench to play in the backrow and at centre against South Newcastle last weekend in his first game back from a 12 week drug suspension that cost him his NRL career at the Knights.

“That was the plan but that is the way it goes,”he said.

“I hope Phyth goes up there and gives it a really good crack and makes his way back into the NRL because at the end of the day, that’s what it is all about.

“You don’t want to see his talents not fully utilised.”