Young Newcastle half Ryan Stig has capped a breakthrough NRL season with a new contract to stay at the Knights.

The 21-year-old part-time bottle shop employee has signed a two-year deal with the club after making his NRL debut in round 15 and playing every game since.

Stig impressed filling in when halves Jarrod Mullen and Kurt Gidley were injured, no more so than in the Knights' 14-10 win over St George Illawarra a month ago in front of incoming Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett.

"This is a tremendous result for Ryan, who has worked tirelessly in his pursuit of an NRL contract," current Knights coach Rick Stone said.

"Ryan's form in the NSW Cup and NRL has certainly given the club the confidence he has a lot more NRL football ahead of him."

Stig joins the likes of captain Kurt Gidley, Wes Naiqama and Junior Sa'u in recommitting to the Knights, while big name recruits Darius Boyd, Timana Tahu and Kade Snowden will also join the new-look club in 2012.

"As a kid who grew up playing footy in this area, I am really excited to extend my contract with the Knights," Stig said.

"I am glad my contract is sorted and I look forward to the next few years but my focus is on this season and finishing the year well with my team-mates."

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