Newcastle have signed premiership-winning utility Rory Kostjasyn from North Queensland on a two-year-contract.

Kostjasyn, who plays mainly at hooker but can plug gaps at lock or in the halves, played 93 matches with the Cowboys, including their 2015 NRL grand final victory over Brisbane from the bench.

Knights coach Nathan Brown said Kostjasyn, who began his NRL career at Melbourne , would work to help expedite the development of the wooden-spooner’s young squad.

“Rory joins the club after playing in two successful systems at the Storm and Cowboys,” Brown said.

“He will provide strong leadership and be able to educate our young side.”

The 29-year-old, who hails from the NSW Central Coast, is the second experienced recruit to join the Knights in as many weeks following the signing of Jamie Buhrer.

The club is also reportedly interested in luring Gold Coast forward Greg Bird.

Kostjasyn played all 26 games for the Cowboys this season.