The Newcastle Knights has signed forward Mitch Barnett and outside back Brendan Elliot through to the end of 2017.

"Mitch and Brendan are both young players who immediately improve our squad," coach Nathan Brown said.

Barnett, 22, was the NSW Cup Player of the Year in 2015 and returns to the Knights after playing in the lower grades before linking with the Canberra Raiders in 2013.

Elliot, also 22, moves to the Knights from the Sydney Roosters where he played 14 NRL games.

Read more at newcastleknights.com.au