The nib Newcastle Knights will welcome utility Slade Griffin to the Club in 2018, after he signed a two-year contract.

Griffin joins the Knights from the Melbourne Storm, where he made his NRL debut in 2013.

The 26-year-old can play hooker and lock.

“The Knights is a great Club and I am looking forward to playing a big part in the team,” said Griffin.

“I have done my apprenticeship at the Storm under Cameron (Smith) and Cooper (Cronk) and I am ready to play a bigger role with more minutes.

“I am also looking forward to the lifestyle in Newcastle; I’m from a small mining town in New Zealand, so it will be great to come up there and help continue to rebuild the Club.”

General Manager Football Darren Mooney said he’ll be a great addition to the Knights squad.

“Slade will provide versatility and leadership,” Mooney said.

“He will have a great opportunity to really cement a position and further his development as a player.”

Griffin will start with the Club in late November, following a grand final appearance with the Storm.