The Hunter Stadium precinct will be transformed this Sunday, as Alex McKinnon returns to Newcastle and watches his Knights teammates take on the Titans for the centrepiece match of the RiseForAlex Round.
Thanks to Sony Music, Jessica Mauboy, Jai Waetford and Taylor Henderson will all RiseForAlex as they perform as part of the activities at Hunter Stadium and welcome Alex home for the first time since his injury in March this year.
Jessica Mauboy will be performing several of her hit songs in the entertainment precinct as well as singing the national anthem ahead of kick-off for the Telstra Premiership match.
“As a Rugby League fan I have watched Alex’s recovery process and I am thrilled to get to perform at such an important occasion,” Jessica Mauboy said.
“Welcoming Alex home to Newcastle means a lot to the Rugby League community and to Alex, so I feel really special to be a part of it.”
Also coming down to the precinct will be Knights Ambassadors including Paul Harrogan and Michael Hagan, along with NRL Ambassadors Mario Fenech, Nathan Hindmarsh and Andrew Ryan.
Fans are urged to get to Hunter Stadium early to take in all of the activities, with the entertainment precinct opening at 11:00am ahead of the Holden Cup kick-off at 11:15am.
Attendees at the game and across the round will be supporting Alex simply by coming to a game this weekend, with the NRL pledging one dollar from every fan who comes through the gates to the RiseForAlex Fund.
Knights captain Kurt Gidley said, “The team and all of Newcastle are really looking forward to having Alex home for this match.”
“Alex is a huge inspiration for all his teammates, but also for our fans, so we can’t wait to have him at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.”
Activity at the Hunter Stadium entertainment precinct includes:
· Performances by Jessica Mauboy (1:00pm), Jai Waetford (12:00pm) and Taylor Henderson (12:30pm)
· Free Rugby League skills clinic
· Free cheerleading skills clinic
· Photo booths where fans can share messages of support with Alex
· Amusement rides including dodgem cars, giant slides and more
· Face painting and temporary tattooing
· RiseForAlex wristbands will be available for sale with all proceeds going to the RiseForAlex Fund
Fans who are unable to attend a game this weekend can still support the RiseForAlex Fund by donating online at www.riseforalex.org.au or sending RiseForAlex in an SMS to 0498 555 555.
RiseForAlex wristbands can also be purchased at any game this weekend or online at nrl.com.au with free shipping.
The RiseForAlex Fund will ensure Alex McKinnon has ongoing financial and medical support now and in the future.
Buy your TICKET for the game now!
