Newcastle Knights forward Josh King has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping the local junior at the Club until at least 2018.

King, who was signed for 2017, has played eight NRL matches after making his NRL debut in Round 7 this season.

“Josh is a good person with a great work ethic,” coach Nathan Brown said.

“Over the journey he will continue to develop into a player that other players want to play with.”

King was born in Maitland, played his junior football with the Singleton Greyhounds and has progressed through the Knights’ system.

“Josh is a good local talent and it is pleasing he is rewarded with a contract extension,” Brown added.

This weekend, the 21-year-old has been named at starting prop for the first time in his young career.