Newcastle fans celebrate grand-final return with tattoos and blue sausages
Newcastle Knights supporters have embraced the club’s return to the NRL grand final, with tattoo shops reporting a surge in demand and local businesses selling blue-themed food. The Knights will face the Sydney Roosters in Sunday’s decider, 25 years after their previous grand-final appearance.
Newcastle supporters are celebrating the Knights’ return to the NRL grand final with commemorative tattoos, blue food and displays across the city. The Knights will play the Sydney Roosters in Sunday’s decider. It is the club’s first grand-final appearance in 25 years, and local tattoo artists said demand increased sharply after the team qualified.
Newcastle tattoo artist Dave Ross cancelled his appointments for the week to make room for Knights designs. He said he had booked 15 additional tattoos and was working until 9pm to meet demand. Supporter Sam Mawer chose a tattoo bearing the team slogan “Defend the kingdom”.
Another supporter, Dave Battese, has displayed Knights tattoos for 25 years and hopes to add another after this year’s final. Businesses have joined the celebrations. A local butcher is selling blue pork sausages made with food dye, while pubs have introduced blue burgers with red sauce and blue-and-red ice cream.
Homes and businesses across the Hunter have also been decorated in the club’s colours. The city’s sporting memories include the Knights’ 1997 grand-final victory. Former mascot Cliff Parker recalled leading the team bus through Newcastle after that win while riding a horse.
Another former mascot, Sir Rusty, is being revived for the final by Chris Kelly’s son, who is supporting the team while wearing the original costume.
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