Tex Hoy has progressed through the junior system at the Newcastle Knights, making his dream debut for the club in May, and no doubt he will only get better as he learns his craft under one of the best fullbacks in the game in Kalyn Ponga.
Fans have already seen glimpses of his ability after he played twice in his preferred position of fullback in the absence of Ponga; against the Penrith Panthers in Round Three the Sydney Roosters in Round 18.
In his other six games he has made an impact off the interchange bench, usually as utility including his first NRL try in Round 7 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
His side were trailing 26-0 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium when Lachlan Fitzgibbon made a break down the middle of the field and passed inside to Hoy, who accelerated to the line to score.
The 20-year-old played 16 Canterbury Cup games for the Knights in 2019, where he averaged 130 run metres per game, recorded ten tackle busts and scored seven tries. He also featured for their Jersey Flegg side, scoring some impressive tries using his speed and footwork to take on the defence line.
The Souths Newcastle junior is part of the NSW pathways system as he played fullback for the victorious NSW Under-20s side last year alongside other rising stars Stephen Crichton, Stefano Utoikamanu and Matt Burton.
Hoy is off contract at the end of 2021 but can negotiate with rival clubs from as early as November 1. Knights coach Adam O’Brien has proclaimed they will do everything to keep the fullback because of his versatility despite Ponga signing a three-year contract extension with the club.
