Toka Likiliki recovering well from surgery

Newcastle Knights new recruit Toka Likiliki is recovering well from surgery he had on his ankle last week.

“I injured my ankle during the Junior Kiwi’s camp and ended up playing on it which made it worse,” he told newcastleknights.com.au.

“This is my first serious injury but is feeling really good and the cast will come off in two weeks time.

“After that I will wear a moon boot for a little while and continue to work on my upper body fitness.”

Toka Likiliki is the younger brother of Newcastle Knights utility Siuatonga Likiliki and like his older brother, spent two seasons with the New Zealand Warrior before moving to Newcastle.

“I really like it here, the people are really kind and the boys have welcomed me,” he added.

“My brother Tonga has been away from home for awhile now and it is good to be able to bump shoulders with him every day.”

While there were many reasons behind the 19-year-olds decision to join the Knights, he said the Club’s rich traditions and history was a deciding factor.

“There are so many great players who have played here before me and it is an honour to be able to represent this Club,” Likiliki said.

“The opportunity to work under Wayne (Bennett) was another reason.

“He is a coach I have admired since I started playing the game and to have the chance to train and hopefully play under him is huge.”