They're previous time in the same colours came in Newcastle but saw them both leave ahead of time to pursue deals elsewhere after the Knights picked up consecutive wooden spoons.

Having linked once again at their junior club, Tariq is confident the old Gerringong connection can get it right this time.

“It was a tough period when we [last] joined each other up in Newy but I know Mary [Paul McGregor] and his team are going to draw the best out of him,” Tariq said.

"Watching him at training he's already stepped up a level. There's things that have really improved in his game, his reloading, his getting up off the ground, his groundwork, his talk.

“Add another six or seven weeks of that, obviously he's suspended for the first one or two [NRL] games, but he'll hit the ground running.”