'Realise how hard it is': Frizell eyeing career first as contract call looms

Newcastle veteran Tyson Frizell is determined to extend his career for at least one more year as he uses the finals series to push for a new contract in 2027.

The Knights forward is one of a small group of players left in the finals series who do not have a contract for next season, with Sharks prop Braden Uele and Roosters winger Daniel Tupou also yet to confirm their futures. 

A 16-year NRL veteran, Frizell is eager to continue playing for at least one more season, whether it be with Newcastle or a rival NRL club.

While he doesn't feel he's playing for a contract, the 34-year-old recognises a big performance in Sunday's semi-final against the Warriors could be enough to secure his future. 

"I do want to play next year," Frizell said. "We're in the position now where the finals series is not a great time to sort out a contract. I've given the club every opportunity to see what they can do and now it will wait until I'm finished playing. 

"Hopefully once I'm finished, we can sort out what I'm going to do next year but I'm definitely looking to play.

"I don't worry about it too much because if you play decent footy, things will work out. Everything happens for a reason, if nothing comes through at the end of the year, well I've had a great career. Fingers crossed I can go well in the finals and then I'm sure something will be there."

Frizell made his NRL debut with the Sharks in 2011 and quickly developed into one of the most punishing forwards in the game after moving to St George Illawarra. 

The versatile forward has played 302 first grade games and was a regular fixture in the NSW and Australian sides earlier in his career but finals success has eluded him.

Frizell played in just three finals matches in eight years at the Dragons and is in his fourth post-season with the Knights. 

The forward has now progressed to the second week of the finals on three occasions but has never featured in a preliminary final. 

It's a situation Frizell is determined to change as the Knights prepare to travel to Auckland to face the Warriors in a historic semi-final at Eden Park on Sunday afternoon. 

"You realise how hard it is to get here," Frizell said. "Everyone's got a different journey in their footy career. Mine hasn't been that easy to get to finals footy. 

"You don't want to let any opportunity slip away. There's kids here who don't realise what they've been given, but it's a good thing because they don't fear anything, they'll just go after it. 

"I don't approach the week differently but you take it all in because we're in a position now where you can't lose any games. There's no tomorrow if you're the losing side so you have to give it everything."

Newcastle have enjoyed a remarkable rise from the 2025 wooden spoon to the second week of this year's finals series and are riding high after last week's victory over the Rabbitohs. 

Coach Justin Holbrook has instilled an attacking mindset in the side, with Kalyn Ponga leading one of the most entertaining teams in the competition.

A host of young forwards are playing without fear, backrowers Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua causing havoc for opposition defenders.

While few expected Holbrook to turn the club around this quickly, Frizell said it quickly became clear during the pre-season how much potential the side had. 

"Last year feels like a lifetime ago," Frizell said. "You start the new year and want to make up for that season. We've had new players come, new staff and it's felt like a fresh start. 

"We've worked hard right from November. We've had some adversity throughout the whole year and have still been able to give ourselves the opportunity to play finals footy."

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