The long commutes are over for Liam Knight and pregnant fiancee Danika Mason after the former NRL player signed with the North Sydney Bears for the rest of 2026. Knight, who formerly played in the NRL with Manly, Souths, Canberra and the Bulldogs, had been toiling away for the Cessnock Goannas in the Newcastle comp after returning to Australia after a stint in the English Super League.
Knight had been commuting from Sydney to Newcastle for training and games, and popular Channel 9 presenter Mason had also been travelling north to watch him play. But Knight has secured a move back to Sydney to be closer to Mason, who is pregnant.
Danika Mason’s fiance Liam Knight has moved to the North Sydney Bears. Image: Liam Knight/Getty
Knight made his debut for North Sydney on Saturday, coming off the bench as the Bears beat the Western Suburbs Magpies. The Bears play in the NSW Cup competition – the level below the NRL.
They used to be a feeder club for the Melbourne Storm and are currently in a bit of limbo in 2026 as they await to become the reserve-grade team for the Perth Bears in 2027. It remains to be seen where Knight might end up in 2027 as he chases a dream return to NRL level.
Liam Knight backed by Cessnock Goannas coach
Speaking to Yahoo Sport Australia in May, Cessnock coach Harry Siejka said teams would be “stupid” not to take a look at Knight, who’s played 105 first-grade games in his career. “He’s been really good for us playing-wise and just great around the club,” Siejka said.
“Any NRL club would be stupid not to have a look at a bloke like that. He’s still got plenty to offer in my opinion. We’d hate to lose him if anyone came knocking and I’ll be surprised if they don’t.”
Liam Knight was playing for the Cessnock Goannas in Newcastle. Image: Danika Mason/Supplied
Knight’s high-profile relationship hadn’t escaped the attention of local footy fans in Newcastle. “It’s country football, mate. You get a few blokes who top themselves up and want to shout out things but I don’t think it worries Liam,” Siejka said. “He just laughs it off and gets on with playing the game.”
Mason and Knight announced last month they’re expecting their first child. She said on Channel 9’s Today Show: “It’s nice to share it with you guys first before the rest of the world gets to hear about it. Liam and I are expecting a little girl, due December.”
