As 2025 draws to a close, the Newcastle Herald has tallied its online traffic to reveal the sport stories that most captivated readers across the Hunter region this year. The list reflects a year of high drama, surprise departures, and community resilience, with rugby league dominating half of the top ten entries.
League Shocks and Coaching Drama Lead the Pack
The most-read stories were headlined by major shifts in the local rugby league landscape. Jesse Southwell's decision to leave the Newcastle Knights NRLW team sent shockwaves through the community. The homegrown halfback, a key figure in the Knights' back-to-back premierships, turned down a long-term offer to join the Brisbane Broncos from 2026. The Herald broke the exclusive news after Southwell informed teammates following a semi-final loss.
This was closely followed by the dramatic exit of Knights NRL coach Adam O'Brien in August. After a season that delivered the club's fifth wooden spoon, culminating in a heavy 66-10 loss, O'Brien stood down with two years remaining on his contract. His departure paved the way for Justin Holbrook to take the reins.
Community Stories and Sporting Controversies
Beyond the NRL, readers were deeply engaged by stories impacting the broader sporting community. Wild weather in late May caused millions of dollars in damage to Hunter golf courses, with Charlestown's CEO Joanna Mantle describing the flood impact as "ridiculous." The region's rugby union scene was also in focus, with a Herald feature naming Carl Manu as the standout Hunter player since the year 2000, polling 31 out of 32 possible votes.
Controversy wasn't far away, with the Newcastle Jockey Club making headlines after a trackside incident on April 26. Central Coast trainer Craig Roberts was later disqualified for two years over an alleged altercation with a Racing NSW official. In local league, the Wyong Roos shocked the competition by announcing their exit from the Newcastle Rugby League just weeks after a straight-sets finals departure, while the Dora Creek Swampies were disqualified on the eve of the finals for a by-law breach.
Human Interest and High Performance
The most poignant story of the year was a medical emergency that unfolded during a Newcastle Jets A-League game on February 8. Medowie's Aaron Bray, 21, suffered a cardiac arrest in the stands. His mother later revealed "he died in my arms," but quick-acting doctors Claudia Lawson and Kellie Taylor performed CPR, saving his life.
On a brighter note, the rise of high-performance hub Pinpoint Athlete, run by Billy Coffey, captured reader interest. The gym, frequented by stars from the Knights, Wallabies, and UFC, was profiled for its community-focused approach to athlete development. Injury news also resonated, with concern for Knights young gun Fletcher Sharpe after he suffered a ruptured spleen and lacerated kidney in a game in Perth on June 21, requiring immediate surgery.
This collection of stories paints a vivid picture of a year in Newcastle sport defined by unexpected turns, community spirit, and the unwavering passion of Hunter fans.
