Newcastle Knights have announced they have granted Starford To’a a release from the final two years of his contract to take up an offer with Wests Tigers, as reported on newcastleknights.com.au.
After moving to the Knights from New Zealand in 2018, To’a came through the Knights pathways system and played in the Jersey Flegg Cup competition throughout the year.
To’a turned out some impressive performances in the NSW Cup competition and was ultimately rewarded with a NRL debut in Round 25. It was a dream start for To’a after he scored the first try of the match and although the Knights would go on to lose the game, the experience would serve him well heading into the 2020 season.
In 2020, To’a played seven games for the Knights, scoring four tries, four linebreaks and running for 108 metres per game.
To’a went on to become a regular first grader in 2021 featuring in 12 games and scoring six tries, eight linebreaks and running for 113 metres per game.
There will be plenty of new faces at the Tigers in 2022 after they’ve continued to strengthen their roster heading into the new year. The new recruits joining To’a at the Tigers include Jackson Hastings, Oliver Gildart, Tyrone Peachey as well as Apisai Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’I who will be joining in 2023.
