‘Our fans mean everything to us’: Crash set to cast pall over grand final

A car crash that injured 10 Newcastle Knights supporters, including three children, has overshadowed the team's preparations ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters. The incident occurred on Saturday morning in Wallsend as supporters gathered along the streets to farewell the team bus en route to Sydney, prompting the bus to divert away from its designated route.

Newcastle players and staff learned of the distressing news during their journey, leaving the squad rattled prior to their captain's run at Accor Stadium. Knights chief executive Peter Parr and NRL executive chairman Peter V'landys both expressed profound concern for the victims and their families as the community unites in support.