Newcastle Knights are making significant strides in their recruitment efforts, recently signing Dylan Brown on a lucrative 10-year deal worth $14 million. However, their latest addition, Marcus D’Acre, 20, comes at a much lower cost, reflecting the Knights’ broader strategy. D’Acre will join the squad on a modest train-and-trial contract of $1,200 per week, with half of that amount covered by the NRL, allowing it to remain salary-cap exempt.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, D’Acre, who attracted interest from the North Queensland Cowboys as well, expressed his optimism about developing into a strong NRL player under Newcastle’s guidance. He commented, "Time is on my side. Newcastle is a great team, and I believe they can help me evolve into a top player."
D’Acre appreciates the Knights’ commitment to his long-term growth. He noted, "It won’t happen quickly; it may take three or four years, and they seem ready to invest that time in me. That’s exactly what I seek as a rugby player—support and understanding as I develop my skills."
The young player confirmed that he will begin his career in the outside backs and will arrive in Newcastle in May, all while pursuing an economics degree at Queen’s University in Canada. "I’m starting at the wing and centres, which is a solid beginning,” D’Acre stated. “As I grasp the game’s patterns and strategies, I can see myself evolving and perhaps moving into different positions."
He remains enthusiastic about his potential impact in rugby league, saying, "I think I can make a significant mark. It’s going to take time, but I’ve been following the sport and trained with the Sharks, where I witnessed the level of play firsthand. Given the right opportunities, I believe I can thrive in this environment.”
With D’Acre’s dynamic background, including representation for Canada and Hong Kong in rugby union, Newcastle fans will be eager to see how this promising talent adapts to the NRL and contributes to the Knights’ ambitions in the upcoming seasons.