Newcastle erupts in red and blue after 25 years waiting for Knights
Newcastle residents decorate council buildings, homes, businesses and even the harbour's tugboats in red and blue for the Knights' grand final.
After a quarter-century drought, Newcastle is painting the city red and blue. Council buildings, houses, businesses, tugboats and even lampposts have been covered in the colours as residents prepare for the grand final.
The enthusiasm has been fierce and creative. A resident from Speers Point set up a 12-foot skeleton imported from the US, dressed in Knights gear and rechristened "Boneman Best" for the occasion.
The skeleton had made the trip from Cleveland, Ohio, only appearing if the team made the final, as promised to her partner. Across the region, locals have gone all-in: one publican in Kurri Kurri spray-painted his entire pub and had friends print posters of players breaking through the windows.
- 25
- Years since last grand final
- 12 feet
- Skeleton height
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Skeleton origin
Why it mattersAfter 25 years without a grand final, Newcastle is sharing a rare collective moment. For young players and fans, seeing homegrown juniors in red and blue at this level is rare inspiration.
AustraliaNewcastle's economy and morale are riding on this first grand final appearance since 2001. Local sponsors, clubs and families are united in a moment rarely shared in a generation.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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