Lakes coach Robbie Payne knows the Seagulls will miss Nick Glohe next Newcastle Rugby League season, but wishes the club veteran well in his latest overseas venture.
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Glohe won't be the wearing the blue and gold uniform at Cahill Oval again in 2020, instead he's been signed by English second division club Leigh Centurions.
The announcement comes after the 27-year-old forward represented Scotland and helped the Bravehearts qualify for the 2021 World Cup earlier this month.
Payne said the opportunity for Glohe, who made his first grade debut with Lakes in 2010 and played in the 2018 grand final, was "well deserved".
"He spoke to us before he went over to the World Cup qualifiers about a potential opportunity over there and we said no dramas at all," Payne said. "He's been loyal to Lakes since he was 17. It's good to see him go over and have a crack."
Glohe told Centurions media he was "very much looking forward to playing for a club with such a proud history and great loyal supporters". Scottish and Leigh coach John Duffy said "Nick really impressed me last year in the national camp, I'm glad to get him on board".
Leigh Centurions finished fourth in the 2019 English Championship.
Meanwhile, the Greek national squad, including former Cessnock player Robert Tuliatu, have claimed the final European qualification spot for the 2021 World Cup after beating Serbia in Belgrade on the weekend.