The Newcastle Knights have granted Will Pryce an immediate release on compassionate grounds, allowing the talented half-back to return to the UK for personal and professional reasons. This unexpected move comes as Pryce has secured a multi-year contract with Hull FC in the Super League, marking a significant shift in his career.
In a statement released by the Knights, they expressed their support for Pryce's decision, stating, "The Newcastle Knights have agreed to a request from Will Pryce, granting an immediate release on compassionate grounds, to allow him to return home to England for personal and professional reasons. Pryce has secured a multi-year contract in the Super League, and the Knights did not want to stand in the way of this opportunity to return home to his family. The Newcastle Knights would like to thank Will for all his contributions over the past couple of seasons, and both parties have agreed to ensuring all details remain private and confidential."
Pryce, who joined the Knights at the end of the 2023 season, struggled to find consistent playing time in the NRL. He made five appearances in the 2024 season, scoring one try, but he was unable to secure a spot in the first team this year. With the arrival of Dylan Brown on a staggering $13 million 10-year deal, Pryce's prospects of regular game time seemed bleak. Jack Cogger and Fletcher Sharpe had been preferred in the halves, pushing Pryce further down the pecking order.
Before his stint in the NRL, Pryce had a standout career with Huddersfield Giants, where he made 46 appearances, scoring 17 tries and kicking 62 goals from 2021 to 2023. His performance in the Super League had initially drawn attention, leading to his move to Newcastle. However, with limited opportunities in Australia, Pryce's return to the UK seems to be a timely decision.
In a twist of fate, Hull FC had been eyeing Pryce even before his release. The club had made a significant effort to bring him back to Super League, and now, with his immediate availability, they have secured him on a three-and-a-half-year contract. Hull FC's CEO Richie Myler worked diligently with the Knights to facilitate this move, ensuring Pryce could join John Cartwright's squad for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Pryce's signing is particularly noteworthy as it not only fills a gap left by Jordan Abdull, who was released in January, but also adds depth to Hull's spine positions. The club has been proactive in its recruitment strategy, having already brought in prop forwards Liam Knight, Liam Watts, and Sam Eseh earlier this season. With Pryce now in the fold, Hull FC has made a strong statement about its ambitions for both the current season and the future.
As Pryce prepares to don the black and white jersey, he follows in the footsteps of his father, Leon Pryce, who played for Hull FC during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The legacy continues, and fans are eager to see how the young half-back will adapt to the Super League once again.
For Pryce, this transition back to his roots in England is not just about football; it’s also about family. The compassionate grounds for his release highlight the importance of personal circumstances in a player's career decisions. As he embarks on this new chapter, Pryce's fans and former teammates at Newcastle are wishing him nothing but success.
In conclusion, Will Pryce's journey has taken a significant turn, and his immediate release from the Newcastle Knights to join Hull FC marks a new beginning. The talented half-back is set to bring his skills and experience back to the Super League, and the anticipation surrounding his arrival is palpable. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Pryce as he aims to make an impact in his return to English rugby league.
