Knights fans will have more ways to get behind the Pride of the Hunter this Sunday, with the Minns Labor Government adding extra train services between Newcastle and Sydney for the club’s blockbuster preliminary final.
Newcastle will take on the Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium at 4pm on Sunday, and we all know a place in the NRL Grand Final is on the line.
It is the Knights’ first preliminary final in 13 years, and victory would send Newcastle through to its first Grand Final in 25 years.
With thousands of Hunter fans expected to make the trip south, Sydney Trains will add two extra services from Newcastle Interchange before the game and two additional services home after full
The additional Sydney services will depart Newcastle Interchange at 12:01pm and 12:56pm, arriving at Strathfield at 2.38pm and 3.16pm respectively.
Fans can change at Strathfield for direct trains to Sydney Olympic Park, which will run every 10 minutes in the lead-up to kick-off.
After the game, eight trains an hour will depart Sydney Olympic Park between 6pm and 8pm, connecting fans with Central and Strathfield for services back to the Hunter.
Two additional Newcastle services will also depart Sydney Terminal at 6:45pm and 7:17pm.
Travel on public transport is included in match tickets.
Visit the Transport for NSW website for timetable information.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“This is our town, our team and the Pride of the Hunter.
“After the nail-biting win across the ditch, I went straight to the Transport Minister and told him we needed extra trains to get the red and blue army to Sydney… but I didn’t need to do much convincing.
“Minister Graham is a Newcastle boy. He knows exactly what this means to our town and he knows the Hunter will turn up in force.
“The Knights are one win away from their first Grand Final in 25 years. We want as many Hunter supporters there to get behind them. So, get your jersey on, jump on the train and let’s turn Sydney Olympic Park red and blue!”
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
“Our mighty Knights are 80 minutes away from the NRL Grand Final, and we want as many fans as possible to be there to cheer them on.
“It’s fantastic to see Sydney Trains add additional services between Newcastle and Sydney, so fans from the Hunter can bring the passion.
“We want Sydney to turn red and blue, so make sure you check the updated timetable, plan ahead, and get ready for a fantastic game!”
Newcastle Knights Group Chief Commercial Officer Jodie Cross said:
“The ticketing figures we are seeing are a reflection of the unwavering support shown by the club’s members and fans throughout the season. Having 65 per cent of the crowd attributed to Knights supporters is a powerful reflection of just how passionate and loyal our supporter base is.
“We have some of the most avid and committed fans in the game, and we’re incredibly grateful for the belief and support they have shown our team throughout the season.
“The travelling support will provide an important boost for the team as they look to book their place in the NRL Grand Final.
“To see so many Novocastrians getting behind the Knights and travelling to support the team is something we’re incredibly proud of.
“Our fans and members are a huge part of what makes this club special, and we know they’ll make their voices heard.”
