New deal sees Voice for Mining Family Day locked in for three more years

The Newcastle Knights will continue to wear the iconic hi-vis mining jersey in the NRL as the club and the NSW Minerals Council agree to extend their long-running partnership to at least 2027.

The new deal means the NSW mining industry will keep supporting the club’s teams in the NRL and NRLW and the annual Voice for Mining Family Day will return to Newcastle for another three years.

NSW Mining has been a major sponsor of the Newcastle Knights since 2013 and was the first sponsor to support the club’s new NRLW team in 2021.  

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says this landmark agreement cements one of Australian sport's most unique partnerships.

“The hi-vis mining jersey stands out visually and it remains relevant after all these years because it stands for something important,” Mr Galilee said.

“When the Newcastle Knights wear the mining jersey, they’re representing a big part of the community, and players with roots in the industry that have come before them.

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”We’re delighted to continue this partnership that’s all about thanking our mine workers in coal and metals mining communities, showing them we’re all proud of what they do and celebrating all the good things mining brings to NSW.”

The links between mining and rugby league run deep in the Hunter as the list of current and former NRL & NRLW players with a close connection to mining continues to grow.

They include players who have worked in mining like Steve Simpson, Adam Muir, Billy Peden, Kurt Gidley and Phoebe Desmond, as well as Dally M medalists Kalyn Ponga and Tamika Upton who both have family that have worked in the industry.

Newcastle Knights CEO Philip Gardner says the club is proud to partner with an industry with such a strong future.

“The NSW mining industry continues to be a driver of our state and regional economies and enriches the lives of people across our region,” he said.

“This is another big commitment to our community and we thank everyone in the NSW mining industry for their continued support of the Newcastle Knights.

“Backing both our women’s and our men’s teams shows the strength of the partnership that will reach out to more than 15 years.

"Our team will wear hi-vis mining jersey with pride on Voice for Mining Family Day.”