Voice for Mining Family Day extension caps big weekend at Knights ...

It’s been a massive weekend for the Newcastle Knights… two all-important victories and a new deal with the NSW Minerals Council.

In front of more than 24,000 people at McDonald Jones Stadium, the back-to-back NRLW premiers secured third spot on the women’s ladder, via a 34-6 win over the Wests Tigers, while Adam O’Brien’s men kept their play-off aspirations alive with a 36-14 triumph at the expense of the Gold Coast Titans.

And, the news got better away from the field with the club agreeing to wear the iconic hi-vis jersey to at least 2027.

The partnership extension between Newcastle and the Minerals Council will also see the annual Voice for Mining Family Day stay on the organisation’s calendar for another three years.

With a sea of hi-vis in the crowd on Sunday 1 September, the landmark agreement cements one of Australian sport’s most unique collaborations.

“NSW Mining has been a major sponsor of the Knights since 2013 and was the first backer to support the club’s NRLW team in 2021,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said.

“The hi-vis jersey stands out visually and it remains relevant after all these years because it stands for something important.

“When the Newcastle Knights wear the jumpers, they’re representing a big part of the community… and players with roots in the industry that have come before them.

“So, we’re delighted to continue this partnership that’s all about thanking our mine workers in coal and metals mining communities, showing them we’re all proud of what they do and celebrating all the good things mining brings to NSW.” 

The links between the industry and rugby league run deep in the Hunter.

Especially, as the list of current and former NRL and NRLW stars with a close connection to mining continues to grow. 

They include players who have worked at sites like Steve Simpson, Adam Muir, Billy Peden, Kurt Gidley and Phoebe Desmond

Even Dally M medallists Kalyn Ponga and Tamika Upton have family who’ve had careers in the industry. 

Knights CEO Philip Gardner said the club was proud to partner with a sector with such a strong future. 

“The NSW mining industry continues to be a driver of our state and regional economies and enriches the lives of people across our region, too,” he stated.

“This is another big commitment to our community… and we thank everyone for their enduring support.

“Backing both our women’s and our men’s teams shows the strength of the partnership that will reach out to more than 15 years.”

Gardner was beaming about the result as well.

It means the last match of the NRL regular season, between the Knights and Dolphins, will decide eighth spot.

For more sports stories: Darcy Goodwin hoping to ‘one-up’ famous brother in Bill Turner CupWaratah Park masterplan unveiledHunter product Lewis wins silver at World Athletics Under-20 Championships

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