Newcastle's grand final run surpasses the drama of 1997 premiership
This year's grand final run is bigger than Newcastle's 1997 premiership. It's driven by the town's passion.
Newcastle's surge to Sunday's grand final has captured something bigger than the club's 1997 premiership. Rugby league is simply a way of life in the Hunter region.
Footy grounds sit at the centre of towns like Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton and Maitland. The mining town heritage builds strength into the community that mirrors the sport itself.
Twelve thousand fans turned up to Knights training on Wednesday. More than some rival clubs attract to games.
Tickets to Sunday's grand final sold out in three minutes. A crowd of 22,000 is expected.
Only last July, a premiership seemed impossible. The Knights had just finished last season with the wooden spoon.
Kalyn Ponga has been the emotional anchor. He showed raw tears this finals series.
He led with his body. He tackled Penrith's Moses Leota four minutes before the final siren.
- 12,000
- Fans at midweek training
- 3 minutes
- Tickets sold out in
- 22,000
- Expected grand final crowd
Why it mattersNewcastle's amazing recovery from last year's last place finish to this year's grand final shows how a town's strong commitment matters. A leader's emotional investment matters too. These things together can turn around a struggling team.
AustraliaNewcastle's grand final appearance this Sunday is driven by the Hunter region's deep connection to rugby league, drawing the entire community behind Kalyn Ponga and the Knights in a way that shapes Australian sport.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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