Newcastle fans back Knights after one-point grand-final defeat
Newcastle Knights supporters said they remained proud after the Roosters defeated their team 19-18 in the NRL grand final. The Knights had led at half-time, but a late Daly Cherry-Evans field goal helped decide the match. A fan day was planned in Newcastle after the loss.
Newcastle Knights supporters rallied behind their team after a one-point defeat by the Roosters in Sunday’s NRL grand final. The Roosters won 19-18 after the Knights led by six points at half-time. Newcastle had scored two first-half tries, but the Roosters took control after the break.
A 69th-minute field goal by Daly Cherry-Evans helped shape the final result. Thousands of supporters watched at the Knights’ home ground and gathered in venues and homes across the Hunter region. Fans had spent the previous week filling Newcastle with red and blue as the team prepared for its first grand final in 25 years.
Knights coach Justin Holbrook praised the players’ effort but acknowledged that his side had not been the better team on the night. Captain Kalyn Ponga said he was proud of the club’s journey after it finished last in the previous season. The grand-final build-up had been disrupted by a crash on Saturday, when a car struck 10 supporters lining a Newcastle roadside to wave the team off.
Health authorities said six patients had been discharged, while one remained in a serious but stable condition. The alleged 18-year-old driver was refused bail and faces nine charges, including three counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. The Knights returned to Newcastle early on Sunday and were met by supporters.
A fan day at Hunter Stadium was scheduled to celebrate the team’s season despite the defeat.
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