12,000 Knights fans pack training session as grand final fever grips Newcastle
An estimated 12,000 fans attended Newcastle Knights' open training on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final.
Newcastle Knights drew 12,000 fans to an open training session at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday, with the city gripped by grand final excitement. Thousands of children on school holidays wore Knights jerseys, waved flags and held homemade signs.
The merchandise queue stretched hundreds of metres through the car park. Coach Justin Holbrook thanked supporters for their backing, and captain Kalyn Ponga received a loud roar from the crowd.
Families spoke of wanting to give their children the same experience they treasured from the Knights' 1997 and 2001 premierships. The stadium is expected to reach full 30,000 capacity for a grand final live site on Sunday as Newcastle faces the Roosters.
- 12,000 fans
- Training crowd
- McDonald Jones Stadium
- Venue
- 1997 and 2001
- Previous titles
- Roosters
- Grand final opponent
Why it mattersA city united around its team shows the power of sport to bind a community, and the Knights' run to the grand final has energised an entire region.
AustraliaNewcastle's NRL grand final appearance has triggered unprecedented fan engagement across the Hunter region.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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