Home games you can't miss in 2022

The countdown is officially on.

With just a tick over 100 days until our NRL and NRLW seasons gets underway, appropriately at our beloved home ground of McDonald Jones Stadium.

All of us here at newcastleknights.com.au have our fingers and toes crossed that we will once again be allowed to fill our beautiful stadium on Turton Road, after COVID-19 cut our home season short in 2021.

While we obviously consider all of our home games as being essential viewing, we've picked out the five home games that will be absolutely unmissable in 2022.

View the full 2022 Draw here!

NRLW - Round 1 v Eels - Sunday, February 27, 3:50pm

An opening round blockbuster where history will be made.

Our NRLW team will take their first steps on the last Sunday of February, with the Eels awaiting for what will be both side's official entry into the competition.

Not only that, but the game will be preceded by the two other NRLW games for that weekend, meaning a Sunday afternoon extravaganza awaits footy-starved fans.

The game will also represent the first Rugby League game back at McDonald Jones Stadium since July 3, 2021. This is the longest gap between home games since the Knights entered the NSWRL in 1988.

It will be quite the way to welcome our team into the competition and to officially kick off the season.

NRL Round 2 v Tigers & NRLW Round 4 v Dragons - Sunday, March 20, 1:45pm

Another history-making day for the region.

Marking the men's first game back at home since July and the final home game for our women, this mouthwatering Sunday afternoon blockbuster will almost certainly see the sold out sign hung on Turton Road.

It is also the only time both sides are currently scheduled to share McDonald Jones Stadium on the same day, meaning fans will be treated to a two-for-one experience on game day.

With the NRLW season nearing its conclusion, there will be plenty at stake for both the Knights and Dragons, while the men will be playing for the prestigious Allan McMahon Shield in the day's second game.

Not to mention there is some atoning to do for Adam O'Brien and his troops after the Tigers humbled the Knights on two occasions last year.

NRL Round 5 v Sea Eagles - Thursday, April 7, 7:50pm

The rivalry enters a new chapter.

Thursday Night Football will return to the Hunter in a huge way, with Tom Trbojevic and his Sea Eagles looking to avenge last year's defeat at the hands of the Knights.

However, with the Mal Reilly Trophy on the line, you can bet the Knights will once again be up for the challenge.

With both sides fielding strong line ups and likely to be firing on all cylinders, this already has all the makings of a classic.

Add in the prime time Thursday Night kick off, and there's unlikely to be much standing room at McDonald Jones.

NRL Round 19 v Roosters - Friday, July 22, 7:55pm

Love them or loathe them, it's always an occasion when the Roosters come to town.

We all remember THAT game in 2019, where McDonald Jones Stadium rocked like it never really has before.

If you remember correctly, that game was also played in the coveted Friday time slot.

With names like Ponga, Tedesco, Keary, Walker, Saifiti and Gagai set to be sharing the paddock, it will definitely be worth snapping up a ticket ASAP.

NRL Round 25 v Sharks - Sunday, September 4, 2pm

Old Boys Day returns to its traditional home of the last home game on the calendar, with the Knights set to face Cronulla in a huge clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Depending on where both teams are sitting on the ladder, there will be plenty on the line.

Add in a family-friendly 2pm Sunday kick off on the last day of the regular season, and September 4 may just be the day the roof comes off at McDonald Jones.