In a move that brings his professional rugby league journey full circle, former Newcastle Knight and Warrington Wolves forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon has signed a one-year deal to return to his junior club, the South Newcastle Lions.
From Crossroads to Career Highlights
The 32-year-old back-rower, who recently returned to Australia after two seasons in the English Super League, has effectively retired from the top-level game. Fitzgibbon's career almost ended before it truly began, when as a teenager he was dropped from the Knights' under-20s side and found himself playing local league for Souths.
"I didn't have anything after the second year of 20s," Fitzgibbon recalled. Facing a potential move to play rugby union in the United States, he was thrown a lifeline by then Knights coach Rick Stone with a 10-week pre-season trial. "I guess the rest is history," he said.
That trial led to a NSW Cup premiership in 2015 and an NRL debut later that year, springboarding a professional career spanning 11 years. Fitzgibbon ultimately played 119 NRL games for the Knights before moving to Warrington, where he added another 41 Super League appearances.
Content with the Decision to Step Away
Despite departing Warrington a year early from his contract, Fitzgibbon expresses no regret about ending his time in the professional ranks. "I'm proud of my career," he stated, reflecting on highlights that included the Knights' record 10-game winning streak in 2023, his debut, and playing in two Challenge Cup finals at London's Wembley Stadium.
He described his two seasons under Warrington coach and NRL legend Sam Burgess as "two of my best years." Fitzgibbon praised Burgess as an inspirational "leader of men" and a future NRL coach in waiting.
When asked if he pursued a return to the NRL after a career-high 24-game season in 2025, Fitzgibbon was definitive: "No, that was never an option." He felt he had reached the end of his road living overseas and was ready for the next phase of life back home in Merewether with his wife, Sophie.
Homecoming to South Newcastle Lions
With multiple Newcastle Rugby League clubs interested in his signature, Fitzgibbon's choice to return to Souths was driven by sentiment and a desire to give back. "I wanted to come to Souths. My home club, my junior club," he explained. "They hold a special place in my heart."
He aims to help the Andrew Ryan-coached Lions return to their former glory, noting the recent dominance of rivals Maitland. Souths president Steve Young and coach Ryan hailed the signing as a major coup for community football, highlighting Fitzgibbon's character and his desire to contribute without anything to prove.
Now, Fitzgibbon plans to focus on building a post-football career, utilising the construction management degree he completed during his time with the Knights. For the 2026 season, however, his focus is on pulling on the red and white jersey once more, helping to revive the fortunes of the club where it all began.
