After years of near misses, the Newcastle Knights have reached the NRL grand final for the first time in more than two decades, sparking enthusiasm across the city and among players both seasoned and young.

Veteran forward Tyson Frizell, who has played 305 NRL games and represented New South Wales and Australia, described the moment as surreal. Despite his extensive experience, he had never before participated in a season decider. Frizell, 34, spoke of the palpable excitement in Newcastle leading up to the match, noting how local communities lined the streets on game days and how the support extended beyond the club, with families and schoolchildren showing their appreciation in team jerseys.

At the other end of the spectrum, 22-year-old five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe grew up in the Hunter Valley and was not yet born when the Knights last captured the premiership titles in 1997 and 2001. Sharpe said his family often reminisced about those historic victories, and the current squad has studied footage and the broader significance of those wins for the city and its rugby league community. For the players, the return to the grand final carries deep meaning, connecting several generations of Knights supporters and legends.

Former club captain Paul Harragon, who led the Knights in 1997, engaged with the current squad earlier in the season. Andrew Johns, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greats and an eight-time Immortal inductee, also offered his support with an emotional video message prior to Newcastle’s preliminary final triumph. Johns, who now works as a commentator for Channel Nine, was visibly moved after the match, highlighting the strong bond between the club’s past and present.

Sharpe, who still resides in Cessnock near Newcastle, said seeing former Knights greats emotionally invested in the team’s success was inspiring. “Growing up they were the goats of the town,” he said, referring to Andrew and Matthew Johns as local legends whose families remain part of the community. “To be part of this journey and standing on the brink of a grand final, it still feels unbelievable.”

The revitalisation of the Knights has been credited largely to coach Justin Holbrook, who took over mid-season. Holbrook, 50, returned to head coaching after assisting the Sydney Roosters last year and rebuilding his career following a stint at the Gold Coast Titans in 2023. Holbrook’s leadership has instilled belief and resilience in the squad, especially in the wake of a mid-season injury to halfback Dylan Brown, a key recruit from Parramatta.

Knights chief executive Peter Parr praised Holbrook’s focus on the players available rather than those sidelined, emphasizing the confidence the coach instills within the team. Frizell highlighted Holbrook’s calm but direct approach and willingness to adapt players’ roles to best suit the team’s needs, noting his own shift this season from an edge forward to a central role in the forward pack.

The Knights’ journey to this year’s grand final marks a remarkable turnaround. They finished last in the previous season, suffering a heavy 66-10 loss to Parramatta in the final round that sealed their wooden spoon finish. Frizell acknowledged that low point as motivation for the team, reflecting on the need to reset and embrace the new season with fresh determination.

With the city behind them and a mixture of experience and youthful energy, Newcastle’s players and supporters now await their chance at NRL glory after a 25-year wait.