The nib Newcastle Knights have signed the player of the match from the inaugural Hasting Deering Colts premiership.
Nesta Watene starred for North Devils in their 20-16 grand final victory over Townsville Blackhawks at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday.
The backrower is only 18, but has been a shining light in the Queensland Under 20s competition this season.
He joins the Knights in 2019 where he will play Jersey Flegg.
Man of the Match - Nesta Watene
Knights Player List Manager Troy Pezet said the Auckland product was performing beyond his years.
"We're excited for Nesta Watene," Pezet said.
"He's 18 years old and won the Man of the Match in the Hasting Deering Colts Under 20s grand final on Sunday."
Not only did Watene score a try from a grubber kick; he also helped set one up with some slick passing.
The hard-running edge signed a two-year-deal with the Knights which keeps him at the club until the end of 2020.
- Full match report --> Norths withstand Townsville fightback for Colts honours
NORTHS DEVILS 20 (Joseph McGuire, Nesta Watene, Liam Horne, David Fauid tries; Gerome Burns 2 goals) def TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS 16 (Duarne Dempsey, Tom McCagh, Ben Condon tries; Adam Cook 2 goals) at Suncorp Stadium
(Halftime: Norths 16-12)
Man of the Match: Nesta Watene (Norths Devils)
