Ex-Bear Jack Cameron is enjoying a promising sophomore year in the Knights' under-20 side, as he eyes a new contract and a continuation of his NRL dream.
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A broken hand - sustained in a trial match against the Sharks - meant the 20-year-old did not make his 2019 debut until round three.
But since then the strapping starting front-rower has played every match, for a Newcastle side who have won five of their eight matches and sit mid-table.
Cameron, who hails from Loomberah, will pack down against Canterbury in a round nine clash at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
There's always things you can work on, but I've been happy with the way I've been playing.
- Jack Cameron
The winner of the 2017 premiership with North Tamworth is in the late year of a two-year deal at Newcastle, with this season his last year of eligibility for the under-20 Jersey Flegg competition.
That means he will need to be offered a new deal by the Knight at the end of this season, or secure a deal with a rival club, to stay in pursuit of an NRL career.
He is "hopeful" of inking a new contract, saying he has grown as a player and as a person since joining the Knights.
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After being used off the bench for the Knights last season, he said he had "definitely" upped his play in 2019 and was "definitely feeling more comfortable here".
"There's always things you can work on, but I've been happy with the way I've been playing," he said.
"I was sort of coming off the bench last year, and this year I'm sort of starting and moving up the ranks a bit more - and you're an older age."
In 2017, homesickness forced Cameron to cut short a stint with Brisbane club Norths, something he would describe as a blessing in disguise. "I wasn't feeling comfortable up in Brissie, so I came home," he had said.
His time at Newcastle has "been unreal". "I've loved it ... You've got to see what it's [the NRL] all about."
