The Northern Knights are sticking to the tried and true when it comes to its bowling ranks, re-securing the services of Australian quick Ben Laughlin for the Georgie Pie Super Smash.

Laughlin returns to the Knights after being an integral part of the team last season, spearheading the bowling attack for the opening four matches of the HRV Cup.

Adelaide Strikers bowler Ben Laughlin.

He was also part of the Hobart Hurricanes team that defeated the Knights in the recent Champions League T20 on the way to reaching the semi-finals.

For the 32-year-old, being able to immerse himself in the competition, as opposed to a handful of matches, is something he is looking forward to.

'Last time around, the games were quite spread out so it works out well for me that the competition now has 10 games in a month,” he says.

'I enjoy the competitive nature of the other teams and I'll give as good as I get, so bring on the challenge. We are going for back-to-back this season and I'm really ready for it.”

A right arm medium-pacer, Laughlin has forged a career being able to close out limited over matches with the ball. From 59 T20s he has taken 59 wickets at a rate of 7.66 runs per over. He has also appeared for Australia and is contracted to the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Northern Knights coach James Pamment is delighted with Laughlin's return the defending T20 champions camp.

James says: 'We know he was actively pursued by other major associations, but I guess it shows that our Knights' values of ‘family' and ‘togetherness' are part of his decision to return and achieve his goal of helping the team win the title again.”

Laughlin, previously with the Hobart Hurricanes, joins former teammate Travis Birt as the Knights' two overseas players for the Super Smash. He arrives in New Zealand on today.

The Knights open their Georgie Pie Super Smash campaign as part of two double-headers on Saturday and Sunday at Seddon Park.

The side play the Wellington Firebirds on Saturday before taking on the Otago Volts on Sunday, with both matches starting at 3.50pm.

Other matches to be played at the Hamilton ground during the opening weekend are the Otago Volts versus the Auckland Aces, on Saturday and the Canterbury Kings versus the Central Stags on Sunday.