It's a reward for sheer hard work and passion.
Big improver Josh King will be given the chance to build on his 60-game NRL career at the Knights next season with the prop poised to sign a new one-year deal.
The Newcastle Herald understands King's contract extension will be finalised and officially announced by the club as early as Wednesday.
It is a real show of faith from coach Adam O'Brien and a shot in the arm for the Singleton junior, who is one of the most popular figures at the Knights among staff and team-mates.
King was one of a number of Knights players off contract at the end of last season and his playing future has been under a cloud ever since despite the departure of forwards Tim Glasby, Herman Ese'ese and Aidan Guerra.
There was talk the 25-year-old prop, who debuted in 2016 but played just seven games off the bench last season, may be squeezed out of the full-time squad for 2021.
But he's been up-front with the Knights about his desire to continue playing for the club and his re-signing will send a strong message about loyalty and O'Brien's willingness to reward hard work.
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Knights head of recruitment Clint Zammit, who has been negotiating with KIng's management, admitted he is the type of player and personality the club was never going to easily discard.
"He's a hard worker who consistently gives his absolute all, whether it's in a game or on the training paddock, and his passion for the club is second to none,'' Zammit told the Newcastle Herald.
"He just wants to play for the Knights. He's wonderful for the playing group as well. Everyone loves him."
Zammit said King's on-field improvement last season under O'Brien is also a major reason why the club is keen to keep him on-board.
"Kingy has put his own case forward for a new deal and you can't question his obvious passion for the place which really stood out for me," Zammit said.
"But the other thing with him is the improvement in his footy over the past 12 months.
"I went back and watched some clips of him and his progression under Adam has been really noticable. He's improved that much and given he is still only 25, there is no reason to think he can't final another level again.
"He's a local junior who wants to play for the club and that can't be under-estimated."
