It’s official: the Newcastle Knights will play the high flying Cronulla Sharks in a pre-season match at Maitland No.1 Sportsground in March.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The clash was first touted in The Mercury a number of weeks back, and the March 2 date has now been confirmed by Maitland Council.
The match comes on the back of the huge success earlier this year when a big crowd turned out to see the Knights play Parramatta in a pre-season match – a game which earned praise from Knights coach Nathan Brown for the quality of the facilities and playing surface.
‘We had a wonderful time in February this year when we hosted the Knights to launch the new Maitland No.1 Sportsground,” Maitland Mayor Loretta Baker said. “So it was an easy decision to invite the team back and work with the Knights again to bring first class rugby league to Maitland.
“February’s game had a fantastic community feel about the occasion. We’re very excited to host the game and I’m hoping local fans come out in numbers to support our very own Hunter-based team and the Sharks.”
The Knights have built up significantly over the last couple of seasons and will genuinely be looking for a position in the playoffs this season, while Cronulla have been a powerhouse in recent years, winning the NRL competition in 2016 and making the final four teams last season.
With players such as Andrew Fifita, Paul Gallen, Matt Moylan, Aaron Woods and Josh Dugan, they have one of game’s strongest squads – even allowing for the loss of star fullback Valentine Holmes.
“Last year the Knights’ trial in Maitland attracted a sell out crowd,” Knights CEO Philip Gardner said.
“When the opportunity to venture out there again in 2019 was presented, we jumped at it.
“The people of Maitland love their rugby league and with a host of new recruits joining the club this season, this trial match will be a great opportunity for our fans to see those players in action before the season proper.”
General sale tickets for the match went on sale at 10am on Monday, December 3.
Fans can buy them online at maitlandevents.com.au or over the counter at the Maitland Visitor Information Centre.
Tickets are $20 for grandstand seating, while general admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Kids tickets cannot be purchased separately and will need to be bought with adult tickets.