Newcastle fans pack live site after 20 years waiting for grand final moment
Newcastle's first grand final in more than 20 years drew thousands of passionate supporters to a live site.
Newcastle fans turned out in armour, capes and war paint, ready to celebrate. Supporters have waited more than 20 years for this moment.
The club had been all but written off as never truly returning to its heyday, but the Knights proved their detractors wrong at every turn. Fans described themselves as defending their kingdom while the team played in Sydney.
Many were long-time supporters who had watched the team struggle. One fan said he was in the crowd in 1997 and 2001 and told his kids to look around because grown men were crying.
The fans came despite the years of hardship that had preceded the weekend. No matter the result on Sunday, the supporters' devotion through the tough years meant the game itself was almost unimportant.
- More than 20
- Years since last grand final
- 1997 and 2001
- Supporter Trevor Williams attended
- Their kingdom
- Newcastle's identity
Why it mattersIt shows how community spirit and loyalty can sustain fans through years of disappointment until their moment finally comes.
AustraliaNewcastle's return to the grand final brings celebration back to a rugby league region that has struggled for two decades.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 56 min ago
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