Alex McKinnon has returned to the nib Newcastle Knights.



The former backrower has taken up a role as Elite Pathways recruitment manager.



McKinnon has signed a two-year-deal with the Club and will work alongside Player List Manager Troy Pezet in working on recruitment and retention



"It's always been something I've been passionate about," McKinnon said of the role.



"I love watching the juniors. I also assist and support Troy in his role. We'll work together across both grades which will be nice.



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"We will have a good link between all the grades.



"I have a lot of friendships across the NRL so hopefully I'll be able to assist him."



The Knights have long had a rich nursery of talent due to the programs the Club has put in place and time invested in developing local products.







McKinnon's role means he'll be very hands on when it comes to production line of homegrown talents but also means he'll keep close watch of promising talents throughout the country.



"It's important to make sure we have enough people watching football locally from a young age, so we don't miss any players," he said.





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"It's also very important to make sure we don't over value our locals.



"What I'm saying is, it's important to bring your locals through but they need to be as good as the external players and if they're not, then we'll recruit externally to make sure the club is successful.



"We want to win games and win competitions. That's what it's all about. The quality person and player we are bringing in has to be the elite."



McKinnon previously worked in recruitment before taking a break in early 2017.





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During his time away from the Club, McKinnon has been carving out quite the media career.



The 26-year-old has become a regular fixture on Fox League programming and heavily involved in public speaking.



"I'm happy to be back at the Club," he explained.



"I'll still be working with Fox Sports and engaging in my speaking gigs with several organisations.



"They all compliment each other and I'm pretty lucky to be able to do all three things."



