The 24-year-old front-rower, who made his Australian Test debut against New Zealand on the Gold Coast last Friday, has agreed to terms with the Knights on a long-term contract and the deal will be formally announced at a media conference later today.

‘‘I am really excited to be returning home to Newcastle at a time when the club is going through such an amazing transformation,’’ Snowden said in a statement.

‘‘You can really feel the excitement that the Tinkler Group has brought to the Hunter region and Newcastle Knights fans. I feel honoured to be part of these exciting times.’’

‘‘I have been fortunate to play under some great coaches in my short career and I am now keen to learn from one of the greatest in Wayne Bennett.’’

‘‘While excited about the future, I would like to say thank you to Cronulla which has been my home since 2008 where I have made some great friends and have fond memories.’’

‘‘I wish to assure all Sharks fans that I will be giving nothing but my best for the balance of the season. I would also like to thank [coach] Shane Flanagan and [football general manager] Darren Mooney for their personal support throughout these negotiations.’’

It has been reported in the past three days that the Belmont North Sharks junior was poised to turn his back on a more lucrative offer from Cronulla to sign a new four-year deal with the Knights but the exact length of the contract will be revealed at the official announcement this afternoon.

One of several home-grown juniors allowed to leave the Knights at the end of 2007, Snowden has realised his potential at Cronulla and developed into a NSW and Australian representative.

Snowden was on the verge of re-signing with Cronulla in February but pulled out at the last minute after a phone call from billionaire racing and mining magnate Nathan Tinkler, who was in the process of negotiating with Knights management to take ownership of the NRL club.

Tinkler has since taken the reins at the Knights and was determined to lure Snowden back to Newcastle despite Cronulla increasing their offer to keep the bullocking forward at the Sharks.

4 years