Darius Boyd is free to link up with mentor Wayne Bennett and rejoin Brisbane after being granted a release by Newcastle.
The Test and Queensland back is expected to sign an NRL contract with the Broncos in the coming days after the 27-year-old and the Knights mutually agreed to part ways.
Ever since Wayne Bennett announced he was leaving Newcastle to take over the reins at the Broncos – who he led to six premierships during his first stint as coach from 1988 to 2008 – Boyd has been heavily linked with a move back to Queensland.
Boyd has never played under another NRL coach, following Bennett from Brisbane to St George Illawarra in 2009 and then to Newcastle in 2012 and has frequently said he views the master coach as a father figure.
Boyd spent the last two months of the NRL season on sabbatical after checking into a mental health facility seeking treatment for depression.
The Broncos this week released Josh Hoffman, Martin Kennedy and Dave Hala, clearing room in the salary cap for Boyd.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Easily the most loathed Knights player since 1988. The way he handled himself playing in Knights colours in 2014 will not be forgotten by many Knights fans.
djcooper
Roar Guru
Retired at 27? Who are the better options you talk of?
Jacksyd
Guest
Moving to the Broncos was always going to happen. Should have retired last year, past his best and on the way down as will be seen in 2015. Will be selected for origin again, despite much better options.
dayer
Guest
oh .... NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Bennett''s "love: child is coming to papa .. I won't comment till the end of the 2015 season in case...? go the Broncs.