Nathan Ross

The 29-year old larrikin has made many headlines since his Telstra Premiership debut in 2015 for his fun-loving persona, quickly developing a cult following.

Despite being a footballer who is cheeky on and off the field, the winger's performances speak volumes and have led Knights coach Nathan Brown to award 'The Rossdog' the honour of being part of the club's leadership group this season.

Ross was elevated to the group along with high-profile teammates Jamie Buhrer, Sione Mata'utia, Mitchell Pearce, Aidan Guerra, Mitch Barnett and Shaun Kenny-Dowall.

Ross, 28, has made 38 appearances for Newcastle since debuting for the club in 2015 and is the club's leading try-scorer this season.

"I am over the moon and this has been something the club and I have been working towards,” Ross said.

"I love Newcastle… and consider myself a Novocastrian.

"I really believe in the direction the club is heading… and there is no way I was going to miss out on it."

Photo by: Paul Barkley/ NRL Photos.Nathan Ross has signed a new deal with the Knights

‌The idea has merit; Townsend's club halves partner James Maloney is a sure-fire bet for Blues duty this year and Townsend is in excellent club form.