Melbourne Knights have snared the signing of 25-year-old New Zealand international Jason Hicks, who last plied his trade at Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.
It marks a sensational switch for the Kiwi, who had earlier agreed terms with South Melbourne for the 2016 NPL Victoria season.
After a career in the ASB Premiership with Waitakere United, WaiBop United, Auckland City, Team Wellington, and a short stint with NPL Queensland side Sunshine Coast, he was signed as an injury replacement with the Phoenix in 2013.
His performances led to a two-year contract with the club, where he ended up making over 30 appearances and scored two goals.
The English-born defensive midfielder played for the English U17 team in 2007 before switching his allegiance to New Zealand, featuring for the U-23 team in 2012.
An All Whites call-up followed in 2014, with Hicks making his debut in a scoreless draw against South Africa.
Roster changes saw manager Ernie Merrick cut ties with the midfielder at the end of the 2014-15 A-League season in a year where he made eight league appearances, scoring one goal.
“These things happen. You don’t get another contract, you don’t get re-signed,” Hicks said at the time.
His next move was the NPL Victoria under Wellington coach Ernie Merrick’s recommendation, where he joined South Melbourne.
However, a mutual termination with South Melbourne saw Hicks make the move to Melbourne Knights, where he now links up with Andrew Marth’s men.
The move leaves South Melbourne with an additional Visa spot for a foreign signing on the eve of the new season, following the club’s 3-0 defeat against Bentleigh Greens in the Community Shield.