Knights' Heartbreaking Loss Can't Dampen Community Pride

Newcastle Knights fans are taking pride in their team's efforts despite a heart-wrenching one-point loss to the Roosters in Sunday's NRL grand final.

Momentum had been building in Newcastle for the past week, with the city awash in red and blue as anticipation grew for the Knights' first grand final in 25 years. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at the Knights' home ground to cheer on the side at a makeshift live site, while bars, clubs, and living rooms across the Hunter were packed with supporters decked out in red and blue.

A tough fight

The Knights started strong, scoring two tries in the first half to take a six-point lead into the break. However, the Roosters took control in the second half, with a 69th-minute Daly Cherry-Evans field goal ultimately paving the way for the win.

Thousands of Knights fans watched the game from the team's home ground. Fighting back tears, Knights superfan Donna said it was a devastating loss, but the boys still did the town proud.

[I'm] shattered but the team played so well, they really fought for it. They really tried hard and we're really proud of the boys and everything they've achieved this year. We'll be there to cheer them back into home because they are everything to this town.

Coach's reaction

Knights coach Justin Holbrook praised the side's "heart".

If you can win anything on heart and effort, then we definitely won that because it was the hardest game of footy I've ever coached. But again, you don't win off being proud, you win off being the better side, and we weren't the better side and we didn't win.

Update on injured fans

In a separate development, Hunter New England Health reported that six patients had been discharged from hospital after a car hit 10 fans lining the roadside in Newcastle on Saturday. One patient remains in a serious but stable condition, while the other three are stable.

The 18-year-old alleged driver, Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, has been formally refused bail and is facing nine charges, including three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Community support

Knights faithful Kylie said the incident sent a shock wave through the community but ultimately brought it closer together.

It just goes to show how close a community everyone is. We all just support each other, that's just how Newcastle is.

Looking ahead

Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga said he could not be prouder of his club's journey after finishing bottom of the ladder last year.

Nothing this week was a burden on us. Our community just rally around each other. Fortunately we get to experience what we experienced this week and that's definitely a feeling that I'll chase again.

Knights veteran and two-time premiership player Mark Hughes said the city would now turn its attention to next season.

[I] can't wait to see the boys and give them a hug and say thank you for the hope and the joy they've given this community the last month. Everyone around the stands are so proud of the boys' efforts. We're going to be back next year … the future looks so bright for the Knights.

The Knights returned to Newcastle in the early hours of Sunday morning and were met with crowds of supporters and Newcastle chants reverberating through the streets. Despite the loss, Knights fans will get the chance to celebrate the team's efforts with a fan day being held at Hunter Stadium later today.