In a dramatic shift from their usual routine, the Newcastle Knights have traded football boots for gum boots, descending into the region's coal mines for a unique pre-season experience that left players with a profound new respect for their community.
From Football Field to Coal Face
The entire playing squad split into two groups on Tuesday, venturing deep into the Hunter Valley's mining operations. Approximately half the 30-strong team visited Centennial Coal's underground Myuna mine, located a remarkable 180 metres beneath Lake Macquarie. The remainder of the squad toured Thiess' open-cut Mount Pleasant mine in the Hunter Valley.
For hooker Phoenix Crossland, the hour spent underground was an eye-opener. "I haven't done that before, I don't think any of the boys had done it yet," Crossland said. "We were only down there for an hour, I don't know how they do that for 12 hours." He added that the visit put their own pre-season grind into stark perspective, highlighting the toughness of the local workforce.
Holbrook's Vision for Community Connection
The innovative trip was the brainchild of new head coach Justin Holbrook, who marked his 50th birthday by going underground himself. Holbrook explained that he wanted the squad to bond and gain a genuine understanding of the region that supports them.
"It's a big part of our region, mining, and we speak about it a lot - the hard-working part of the city," Holbrook stated. "None of us had experienced it, myself included... To witness first-hand how the mining takes place and realise what's in it for the life of a miner, it's terrific."
The coach emphasised that a significant portion of the Knights' fanbase has direct links to the mining industry, making the experience a valuable exercise in appreciation and connection.
Adding Meaning to the Mining Jersey
The Knights have a long-standing partnership with NSW Mining, marked by their annual 'Mining Jersey' round. This season, that special round will be round five against the Canberra Raiders on Sunday, April 5. Following their underground adventure, players say the iconic hi-vis kit will now carry even greater significance.
"It's always a special round, mining round, but having gone down there and seen first-hand what they go through... the jersey probably has that little more meaning behind it now," Crossland reflected. The connection is personal for many; former Knight and current Myuna employee Joel Edwards guided the tour, while another ex-player, Billy Peden, is the father of Crossland's long-term partner.
With the mine visit complete, the Knights' focus now sharpens on their impending campaign. They face the St George Illawarra Dragons in a trial at Kogarah on February 7, followed by a home trial against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on February 14.
The squad will then embark on their historic US trip, departing for Las Vegas the following week. After a week of training, they will open their 2026 NRL season against the North Queensland Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium on March 1 (AEDT).
Holbrook confirmed that key decisions on play-making roles are still being finalised, with the upcoming trials crucial for selection. "We will use this month to work that out," he said. "We will have it all sorted by Vegas."
