NRL: Winger Edrick Lee rewarded with Knights lifeline

And what's more, Lee could be back in the starting side as early as round three.

Talent has never been the issue for the Queensland State of Origin flyer. It has been his big but brittle body that has been in question.

Lee has not played for almost 12 months after breaking a bone in his foot last January, and the Knights were expected to release the out-of-contract flyer.

As well as his fractured foot, Lee has also broken his left arm twice and been restricted to just 25 games in his three seasons with Newcastle.

He was offered a chance to train during the pre-season and prove that his body could withstand the rigors of the NRL.

After a gruelling three months, Lee signed a one-year deal this week. His signature leaves two spots to fill on the Knights 30-man roster.

And with Hymel Hunt out for at least a month with a knee injury, Lee's comeback could gain momentum. The the round-three visit by the Wests Tigers looms as a possible return date to NRL action.

"Eddie plays a significant role in our club, he is extremely popular both on and off the field," Knight coach Adam O'Brien said. "His impact is huge.

"I have personally witnessed how gritty and determined he has been to get through the last couple of years, it's a real credit to him.

"From a footy perspective we have missed his experience, try scoring and powerful carries from the back of the field. Eddie also gives us a great aerial target on the last play with his height and athleticism."

In his last game before breaking his foot, Lee scored a try on debut to help Queensland win the 2020 State of Origin decider.

In further news, powerful back-rower Leo Thompson has been upgraded from a development contract to join the NRL squad. Just 18 months after a code switch from rugby union, Thompson joined the Knights from Canberra and has been rewarded for impressive training and trial form.

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