The Newcastle Knights will continue to wear the iconic hi-vis mining jersey every year with the club and the NSW Minerals Council extending their long-running partnership until at least 2027.
The extended deal means the NSW mining industry will keep supporting the Knights NRL and NRLW and the annual Voice for Mining Family Day will return to McDonald Jones Stadium for further three years.
NSW Mining has been a major sponsor of the Newcastle Knights since 2013 and was the first sponsor to support the club’s new NRLW team in 2021.
Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says this landmark agreement cements one of Australian sport’s most unique partnerships.
“The hi-vis mining jersey stands out visually and it remains relevant after all these years because it stands for something important.
“When the Newcastle Knights wear the mining jersey, they’re representing a big part of the community, and players with roots in the industry that have come before them.
“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 mining and rugby league run deep in the Hunter with a number of players on the former and current NRL and NRLW player lists having a close connection to the mining industry – a connection that continues to grow.
They include players who have worked in mining like Steve Simpson, Adam Muir, Billy Peden, Kurt Gidley and Phoebe Desmond, as well as Dally M medalists Kalyn Ponga and Tamika Upton who both have family that have worked in the industry.
Newcastle Knights CEO Philip Gardner says the club is proud to partner with an industry 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,” he said.
“This is another big commitment to our community, and we thank everyone in the NSW mining industry for their continued support of the Newcastle Knights.
“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. Our team wear hi-vis mining jersey with pride on Voice for Mining Family Days.”
