The ‘big penis’ has been torn down: how Newcastle changed in 25 years since the Knights’ last NRL title

As the Newcastle Knights prepare for their first NRL grand final in 25 years, the Guardian's Ben Smee reflects on how the city of Newcastle has evolved since its 2001 premiership victory. The steel city has transitioned from a post-industrial, gritty working-class hub into a safer, gentrified, and more exclusive urban center, marked by the demolition of controversial landmarks like the Queens Wharf Tower and the removal of the old heavy rail line.

While rising property prices and gentrification have reshaped the local culture, residents and commentators note that Newcastle still retains its distinct blue-collar ethos. The team's unexpected run to the grand final has reignited civic pride and nostalgia, reviving memories of earlier triumphs and uniting the transformed community behind the squad.