The Newcastle Knights have bolstered their depth for 2026 and beyond with the signings of Asu Kepaoa and Matthew Hunter.
Kepaoa, 25, has signed through to the end of the 2027 NRL season. After spending 2024 and 2025 in the NSW Cup with the Penrith Panthers, Kepaoa has rediscovered consistent form, crossing for 28 tries in two seasons. A versatile outside back, he previously made 42 NRL appearances for the Wests Tigers between 2020 and 2024.
Matthew Hunter, meanwhile, joins the Knights on a development contract for 2026. The promising five-eighth has impressed for the Parramatta Eels’ NSW Cup side since debuting in Round 10 this year, scoring five tries in just nine appearances.
🔗 Newcastle Knights Official Site
📊 Quick Facts
Asu Kepaoa
- Age: 25
- NRL Games: 42 (Wests Tigers 2020-2024)
- NSW Cup Tries (2024–25): 28 (Penrith Panthers)
Matthew Hunter
- Age: 20
- Contract: Development deal for 2026
- NSW Cup Tries: 5 (Parramatta Eels)
- NSW Cup Debut: Round 10, 2025 vs Bulldogs
