Newcastle utility Connor Watson says he is relieved to sign a new one-year NRL deal with the club for next year after an injury interrupted season.

The 24-year-old played just five games for the Knights in 2020 after a season-ending achilles injury that required surgery.

On Friday, the club announced Watson had been re-signed until the end of 2021, giving him another season to impress under coach Adam O’Brien.

“Getting injured and not having a deal locked up for next year was pretty scary but I’m grateful the club are putting their faith in me and have re-signed me,” Watson said in a statement.

“I want to thank the supporters and club for making the last three years so enjoyable and I’m excited to continue building and hopefully bring a premiership to Newcastle.”

It follows a disappointing end to the season for the Knights who made the finals for the first time since 2013 but were knocked out by South Sydney in week one.

Watson is one of a number of players to commit themselves to the Knights including Kalyn Ponga, Jacob Saifiti and new recruit Tyson Frizell.