Arabic version: مشجعو نايتس يحتشدون قبل نهائي دوري الرغبي الوطني

According to ABC News, thousands of Newcastle Knights supporters gathered at Stadium Australia before the NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters, saying a crash that injured 10 fans in Newcastle would strengthen the team’s resolve. Supporters arrived in red, blue and white for the club’s first grand-final appearance in 25 years, following a season in which the Knights had finished last the previous year.

The crash occurred at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Road in Wallsend as fans lined the road to farewell the team heading to Sydney. Six people remained in hospital. A five-year-old girl was among two people described as being in a serious but stable condition. An 18-year-old Sydney man was refused bail after being charged over the crash.

Supporters Charlotte Barker and Mitchel Eastwood arrived in Sydney the day before the match. Barker said it had been difficult to feel positive after learning of the incident, but said there were “good vibes around” after news that the five-year-old girl was stable. Eastwood said he hoped the players could “get up for all those people”.

Other fans said the incident would motivate the Knights to work harder and bring the trophy home. Long-time supporter Trish said she would not let the accused driver take the joy from the day, recalling the club’s premiership wins in 1997 and 2001. A father attending with two young boys described the injuries as devastating and said he hoped the team could make the city proud.

Roosters supporter Blake Allen said the large Newcastle turnout showed the city’s spirit and could help the Knights lift for the match. Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris said people could grieve for those injured while supporting the Knights, and urged the players to give their best.