Arabic version: فخر نيوكاسل يتواصل بعد خيبة نهائي نايتس الكبرى

According to ABC News, Newcastle Knights supporters remain proud despite the club’s one-point loss to the Roosters in the NRL grand final. The city had built momentum through the previous week, with red and blue visible across Newcastle as fans anticipated the Knights’ first grand final in 25 years.

Thousands gathered at the Knights’ home ground for a live site, while bars, clubs and homes across the Hunter hosted supporters. Newcastle scored two first-half tries and led by six points at the break, but the Roosters controlled the second half. A 69th-minute Daly Cherry-Evans field goal helped secure the Roosters’ 19-18 victory.

Supporter Donna said she was shattered but proud of the players’ fight and achievements during the season. Coach Justin Holbrook praised the team’s heart and effort, while acknowledging that pride did not change the result. Captain Kalyn Ponga said he could not be prouder of the club’s journey after it finished bottom of the ladder last year.

The grand final buildup was shaken on Saturday when a car hit 10 fans who were lining a Newcastle road to wave the Knights off to Sydney. Hunter New England Health said six patients had been discharged. One patient remained in a serious but stable condition, while the other three were understood to be stable. An 18-year-old alleged driver, Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, faces nine charges and was formally refused bail on Sunday.

The Knights returned to Newcastle in the early hours of Sunday to crowds of supporters and chants through the streets. Fans will have another opportunity to recognise the side’s season at a fan day at Hunter Stadium later today, as the club and its supporters turn their attention to 2027.