For the first time in Newcastle Knights Voice for Mining history, the NRLW side will don the orange jersey this year on Sunday July 20 at MacDonald Jones Stadium.

The NSW Minerals Council has been a major sponsor of the women’s team since its inception and have now renewed their investment for another three years and introduced the mining jersey.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said mining families always come out in force to support the Knights NRLW team.

“We’ve been there since day one to back the growth of the women’s game and this new jersey takes our support to the next level.

“Our mining families will be cheering a little bit louder this year knowing the NRLW team is representing them as well as the men’s team.

“More and more women have chosen to join the mining industry to build their careers, and we’re proud to show our support for those pathways in mining and in sport through this new mining jersey for women,” Stephen said.

The Newcastle Knights mining jersey was first worn by the Club’s NRL team in 2014 and is a replica of the workwear that thousands of miners wear across the state every day.

Tayla Predebon has been a consistent part of the Knights NRLW side since 2022, her second professional NRLW club after spending her debut season with the Sydney Roosters.

Tayla grew up in Gloucester, one of the state’s prominent mining towns.

She said her start in rugby league is actually quite funny.

“I wanted a day off school when I was about 16 years old so I entered a gala day and roped in all my friends and anyone I could to make up a team.

“We travelled to Raymond Terrace and played, and we actually did really well. So, during the last couple of years of school we went around to different gala days and my love for the sport just blossomed from there.

“I ended up playing in the Newcastle Rugby League comp for CRL Newcastle and from there I went to the Sydney Roosters for a year before coming to the Knights in 2022.

“I absolutely love it, it’s such a pinch yourself moment to be here. Every time I drive into the carpark at the Knights Centre of Excellence and walk through the doors I can’t believe I am here playing professional rugby league,” said Tayla.

When the NRLW team saw their mining jerseys for the game on July 20, they were incredibly excited.

The women all agree mining is a huge part of the community and they can’t wait to wear the jersey alongside the men’s team.

“I haven’t got family directly working in the mines but living in Gloucester I felt like we were very fortunate when the mining industry came to town because of how the town benefited. The companies put money into our sporting facilities and through the schools.

“Every second person you saw on the street was in high-vis and we all knew someone who worked in the mines. The opportunities that it gave everybody in such a small town was pretty cool – the mines make such a huge difference.

“I have been saying for years that I wanted to wear this jersey! It’s such an awesome thing and so wonderful to celebrate this part of our community. Newcastle is such a blue collar town so it’s really cool that we get to pull on the jersey this year, wear it with pride and celebrate that part of our community.

“And they look really good!

“It’s so cool when you go to the game at McDonald Jones Stadium, or you’re watching it on television, it’s just a sea of orange and everyone comes together which is what Newcastle is all about. We’re good at showing up every home game, but especially during the Voice for Mining round.

“We are all so excited that we’re a part of it, it’s an honour to wear any Knights jersey but especially this one.”

Newcastle Knights CEO Philip Gardner said it means Voice for Mining Family Day in July will be a massive event this year.

“Our NRLW team is primed for a big season and it will be a proud moment when both teams run out in the mining jersey against the New Zealand Warriors.

“We are so grateful for the NSW Minerals Council’s support of our club, totalling 15 years during the course of these new agreements.

“Our mining jersey symbolises so much of what our teams value – tradition, grit, inspire and win. And it’s a reflection of the local community, especially with so many past and current players having close connections to the NSW mining industry.”

One of the most well known faces of the squad is Yasmin Clydsdale. She’s just as excited to pull on the orange jersey because her husband and former Newcastle Knights hooker Adam Clydsdale works in mining alongside his mother who has been in the industry for more than 25 years.

“These colours mean so much to me and my family,” she said.

“Adam was one of the first players to wear the mining jersey and for me to add to that is something really special, especially now he works in the industry after retiring from the NRL.

“Our team will wear the club’s mining colours with pride.”

Voice for Mining Family Day Sunday 20 July 2025 Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors NRL kick off 4:05pm NRLW kick off 6:15pm