The Hawks Nest resident has playedrugby union for the past six years, the No. 8 representing both NSW and Australia in school boys’ competitions. But he doesn’t seem too worried about the code change.

“It’s going to be a bit of a challenge, but I’m up for it,” Howell said.

Selectors spotted Howell in July, playing for NSW at the Australian Schools Championships in Sydney and signed him to a two year contract.

While it came as complete surprise, Howell says it is a childhood dream come true.

“I’ve been a fan of the Knights ever since I can remember,” he said.

“When I was in primary school I really wanted to play for them and then I guess I got a bit side-tracked with union.”

It is likely Howell will be playing prop or second-row.

A student at Hunter Valley Grammer School in Maitland, Howell sat his final HSC exam last Thursday. There won’t be much time to celebrate though, with Knights training five days a week already well underway.