THE Newcastle Knights have the majority of their pack locked in until at least the end of 2021 after agreeing to terms with back-rower Mitch Barnett for a new three-year deal.
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Barnett, Newcastle's player of the year in 2019, is expected to formally sign the contract within the next week.
Fellow forwards David Klemmer, Daniel Saifiti, Tim Glasby, Jayden Brailey, Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Sione Mata'utia are all under contract to Newcastle for at least the next two seasons.
There were reports on Friday that the Knights were poised to sign Broncos utility back Gehamat Shibasaki, but club officials said talks with his management were still in the preliminary stage.
Shibasaki, 21, has played in 13 NRL games. He was mainly used by the Broncos as a centre, but the Queensland under-20s representative reportedly regards himself as a back-rower.
Meanwhile, the Knights have launched a new-look alternate jersey for 2020, based on the kit they wore in the 2003 Sevens tournament.
"As a club, we are well aware that the fans wanted less white on our away kit," CEO Phil Gardner said.
"While we are bound by NRL rules, we have made some adjustments to the away jersey which now has a greater representation of blue and red."
The home jersey will remain the same as last season.
Both jerseys will be selling for a cut-priced $99.95 on Black Friday, December 13, between 10am and 10pm.