Newcastle’s prize recruit for 2016 Trent Hodkinson knows a things or two about pressure with the former State of Origin halfback ready to take on extra responsibilities at his new club the Knights after the Hunter club received the wooden spoon in 2015.

“I’m used to that. I’m happy with that. I am very calm and laid back on the field and hopefully I can bring that to the Knights,” Hodkinson said.

“It’s a new challenge, a new beginning. It is different but exciting.

“I’m out of my comfort zone and I am looking forward to it.

“There is a lot of young talent here and some older leaders so let’s go.

“It would be great to turn things around and make the finals but we have a long way to go.”

Hodkinson has joined the Knights from the Bulldogs and will partner veteran Jarrod Mullen in the halves.

The Cabramatta junior also said he was excited about the blend of experience and young talent at the club.

“A reason I chose the Knights is there’s a challenge ahead and I thought the playing group was right up there with the best,” he said.

“I was involved with Browny (coach Nathan Brown) during the Origin period and loved what he had to say about me improving as a player and what structures would suit me.

“I’m quite laid-back and fairly calm on the field, so hopefully I can bring that up here to the Knights and just take control.

“I’m looking forward to striking combinations with players. They have a lot of young talent and some older guys who are leaders.”