From on-field success through to off-field professionalism, the Newcastle Knights have come a long way since their inception way back in 1988.
You only have to walk through the Knights' new state-of-the-art facilities at Wests Mayfield to discover the progression the Club has undertaken since those early days working out of an old shipping crate at the University of Newcastle.
It's the same with Corporate Hospitality - a facet of the Club that has improved tenfold in recent seasons.
This was certainly on show at the Club’s Corporate Breakfast at the Hunter Stadium Chairman’s Lounge on Wednesday morning.
From Nib through to McDonalds and AUSCOAL Super, all the Knights' loyal sponsors were on hand for breakfast and a preview to the upcoming 2014 season with Coach Wayne Bennett, Captain Kurt Gidley and Director of Performance Jeremy Hickmans.
Newcastle are now in the top three for Corporate Hospitality in the NRL and Wednesday's complimentary breakfast was a chance to thank the Club's loyal corporate partners for their support.
Knights' Commercial Operations Manager Jarrod Johnstone told the audience how thankful the Club were to have such devoted corporate and business partners.
“We are no longer just considered that regional club up the road,” Johnstone said.
"We are now competing with the best in the NRL and today we just wanted to thank you as our loyal corporate partners and give you a preview for the upcoming year."
One of the Club's loyal partners is Chris Nicholls from AMR Engineering.
Nicholls says the Knights have always been at the forefront of interaction with the local community and the business world.
“The Knights have always connected with the people well," Nicholls says.
“They cater for the corporates, but they also never forget about the banner waving fans behind the posts who were part of forming the club."
Club Chairman Paul Harragon echoes those thoughts.
"Our corporate partners, sponsors and supporters are like a family," Harragon says.
"We always go out of our way, particularly at the start of the year, to make sure we get in close together and talk about the club and where it’s heading.
"That’s done so we all feel part of this journey, which is going to be 2014.
"So it was a nice feel at the breakfast.
"It was great to hear from the players and who has impressed in the pre-season and how we are looking for the year ahead.
"It’s very important to engage with our corporate partners and that’s what today’s breakfast was all about.”
