Newcastle packs stadiums for first grand final in 25 years
Newcastle's first NRL grand final appearance since 2001 drew over 22,000 supporters to McDonald Jones Stadium and packed pubs across the city.
The Knights faced the Sydney Roosters in Sunday's decider with fans unable to secure scarce tickets to Accor Stadium. More than 22,000 supporters gathered at the club's home ground, while locals packed pubs throughout Newcastle to watch together.
Diehard supporter Luke Lawson, 36, told AAP the atmosphere was unlike any other club in the NRL. Newcastle led 12-6 at half-time with Kalyn Ponga scoring a spectacular 95-metre try.
The Roosters fought back, but the city's first premiership chance in a quarter-century fell short. The NRL honoured Newcastle fans involved in a crash on the parade route.
- 22,000+
- Supporters at home ground
- 25
- Years since last grand final
- 95 metres
- Ponga's try distance
- Newcastle 12, Roosters 6
- Half-time score
Why it mattersA 25-year grand final drought for a club is a rare drought in professional sport; the turnout showed how deeply Newcastle fans have waited for this moment.
AustraliaNewcastle is Australia's second-largest rugby league city by population, and a premiership would be the club's first since 2001.
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