Newcastle Knights

Founded in 1987 to represent the industrial heartland of the Hunter Region, the Newcastle Knights entered the competition in 1988, filling a void left by the Newcastle Rebels nearly eighty years prior. The club plays its home matches at McDonald Jones Stadium, a venue that serves as the spiritual home for a community defined by working-class resilience and the "One Last Job" spirit. Their red and blue jerseys reflect the pride of Newcastle, New South Wales, attracting over 32,000 members who rally behind the team through decades of highs and lows.

The franchise achieved one of the most remarkable upsets in sports history during its inaugural season in 1989 by winning the premiership in just their second year. While they have not secured another title since then, the team remained a competitive force until a historic run in the 2026 NRL season brought them back to the Grand Final. That match against the Sydney Roosters ended in a narrow 19-18 defeat after a crucial drop goal by Daly Cherry-Evans sealed the victory for the Roosters on October 4, 2026. [edit]

The club was established in 1987 to bring professional rugby league back to Newcastle after the Newcastle Rebels departed the Sydney-based competition almost eight decades earlier. They joined the NSWRL in 1988 and immediately made an impact. In their second season, 1989, the Knights defeated the Brisbane Broncos in the Grand Final to win the premiership, a feat that cemented their status as a powerhouse despite being a new entity.

For many years following their 1989 triumph, the club navigated various coaching changes and roster fluctuations while maintaining a strong connection to its local fanbase. Notable players like Mal Meninga, Brad Fittler, and Darren Lockyer contributed significantly to the team's early identity and success. The franchise continued to develop talent and compete consistently throughout the 1990s and 2000s, though it faced periods of rebuilding.

A resurgence began under head coach Jason Demetriou, leading to a dominant 2026 campaign. The team reached the Grand Final for the first time since 1989, marking a historic milestone. Although they lost the decider to the Sydney Roosters by a single point, the journey highlighted the squad's ability to perform at the highest level. Captain Teddy Holbrook spoke emotionally about the narrow margin of defeat, emphasizing the courage shown by the entire team throughout the finals series. [edit]