Footy Fans Flock to Wyong and Cessnock Leagues Clubs

Across NSW, there were also 22 Special Event Hubs set up, featuring the likes of NRL Ambassadors, American-themed food and beverage and competitions, including the chance to win one of two double passes to NRL Vegas 2026.

Special Event Hubs across regional NSW included Dubbo RSL, West Tamworth Leagues Club and Twin Town Services Club.

ClubLIFE paid a visit to Wyong Rugby League Club and Cessnock Leagues Club, which were also designated Special Event Hubs.

While their local NRL team the Newcastle Knights didn’t feature as part of the on-field action, the celebration of rugby league culture was on show for all four matches, with fans donning jerseys of many clubs.

Big screens were aplenty at both clubs, surrounded by plenty of rugby league paraphernalia – the likes of which you only tend to see on grand final day or State of Origin.

In between the action on the field, fans engaged in a range of activities involving NRL stars in attendance. 

At Cessnock Leagues, Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland took on patrons in a passing competition, which in Wyong former English international Josh Hodgson helped give away a stack of prizes, including merchandise and Club vouchers.

Cessnock Leagues Club CEO Paul Cousins says having an Official Watch Party saw huge increases in patronage compared with the same day last year.

“Last year was great, but this year's even better,” Paul says. “To have Phoenix Crosland here and we've got a big crowd today. It's rugby league heartland, so it's been a terrific start to the NRL season for us.”

Both Wyong and Cessnock clubs have long been pillars of their communities, providing huge support to the Roos and Goannas seniors and junior teams respectively. Paul says this made the ClubsNSW and NRL partnership a great one for his Club.

“It's a great partnership. It really does work well together,” he says says. “There are a lot of leagues clubs that put a lot of money into not just the NRL directly, but into grassroots rugby league as well and we're one of those with the local Cessnock Goannas, so it's a great partnership. 

“Hopefully it's here to stay for years to come.”

An hour south, Wyong Rugby League Club Venue Manager Sam Gardner said the patrons in attendance were all having a great day at the event.

“Everyone I spoke to said it was such a great atmosphere and it was such a good time,” Sam says. 

“A lot of people took advantage of the food specials. We were giving away merch left, right and centre. 

“Josh Hodgson was great, he was unreal. The way he was interacting with our patrons, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. (Event MC) Paddy (Gerrard from Triple M Central Coast) was great as well.

“I think it was marketed well both with local media and on social media.”

Being not only a Knights player, but also a Central Coast junior, Phoenix Crossland said the area is a great place to watch footy.

“Obviously everyone loves their rugby league around Cessnock,” he says.

“To get here and get amongst it and soak up the good atmosphere, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else for round one and watch the kick off here with the locals. 

“They love their footy, they're all great people and it was unreal.”

Paddy Gerrard told his Triple M Breakfast Show the following morning that he had a great time at the Club’s event.

It was on for young and old yesterday,” Paddy told co-host, Maz Compton. “I had a pulled pork burger. It was so good to see everyone who came, like it was huge. It was absolutely massive… Josh is just a champion. 

“Damo won the pie eating competition, but thank you to Will and also Samuel (from Wyong Rugby League Club), who really looked after us on the day.

“Thanks to everyone who came to Wyong Leagues."