After scoring what was the match-winning try for Forbes in the Group 11 first grade grand final at Caltex Park, helping his junior club snap a 29-year title drought, the strong three-quarter will, later this month, head to Newcastle for pre-season after signing with the Knights for next season.

Andrews reported for one of his first sessions as a Knight at Blayney’s King George Oval last week, joining fellow Western Rams and NSW Country under 18s representative Lachie Farr for training.

Put through gym and field sessions, the gun centre said his first run was an eye-opener.

“I thought we’d just have a bit of a run, then they said we’d be doing everything the first grade boys would do in a day at training,” Andrews said.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I can’t wait to get into it.”

Deceptively strong and outstanding with and without the ball, Andrews was in high demand after a break-out 2016 with both Forbes and in junior representative teams.

The Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders were all hunting his signature to play in next year’s Holden Cup, the under 20s premiership.

But in the end Newcastle won out, with the Hunter area’s location – Andrews will be a car trip away from home - weighing heavily in the decision making process.

“Plus, I don’t like the cold. It’s cold enough here in Forbes … Canberra lucked out there,” he laughed.

Andrews was looking forward to the chance to impress Knights coaching staff during pre-season training ahead of the club’s 30^th anniversary season.

“I’m hoping to get a start in the squad first, get a good pre-season under my belt and then look for a starting spot somewhere,” he said ahead of official pre-season.

“I made Country this year (and traveled to Western Australia), and there was three or four boys who will be in Newcaslte next season, so it’ll be handy knowing those boys. Very exciting.

“I’m looking forward to getting in to it all.”