The Hunter Ports Newcastle Knights Ambassadors include prominent Newcastle identities who are passionate about Newcastle and ensuring the Newcastle Knights remain a powerhouse in the NRL.
The Knights are aiming for 20,000 Members in 2013, and the Membership Ambassador Program has been developed to reinforce the importance of Membership to the long-term success of the Club.
Ambassadors will be seen out at Knights games, will be invited to spend time with the players and coaching staff and will be involved in helping the Knights create awareness about Knights Membership to ensure the community is behind us.
Brad and Lara @BradandLara
Hunter residents Brad and Lara won the 2012 series of The Block, when the South Melbourne Terrace they renovated sold for $1.62million.
Growing up in Newcastle, Brad and Lara have fond memories of the Knights and are excited about their new roles as Ambassadors.
Favourite Knights player (past)?
Brad: Paul Harragon, he is the best front rower ever!
Lara: I have to go with Matt Gidley
All time greatest Knights memory?
Brad: The 1997 Grand Final
Lara: Me too, the 1997 Grand Final!
Why is Knights Membership important to you?
Brad: The Knights are great for Newcastle and it is great to support such a big part of the community.
Lara: I think supporting local teams is always important.
What is your prediction for the 2013 Knights season?
Brad: Top 4 and anything can happen from there.
Lara: Top 8 and then in to the Grand Final. I am confident!
Click here to watch Brad and Lara's interview with Knights TV
Kurt Fearnley @kurtfearnley
Kurt Fearnley is one of Austrlia's most successful Paralympians, who has won nine medals, including three gold, who continues to dominate on both the track and road.
A champion of 31 Marathons, Kurt is an ambassador for the Day of Difference Foundation and International Day of People with a Disability, and is looking forward to his new role as Knights Membership Ambassador.
Your favourite Knights player (past)?
Danny Buderus, he just has a huge heart.
Earliest Newcastle Knights memory?
Darren Albert's try in the 1997 Premiership.
Why are the Knights so important to Newcastle?
They represent our town on a national stage weekly.
To watch Kurt Fearnley's interview with Knights TV, click here.
Catherine Britt @catherinebritt
Newcastle-born country music artist Catherine Britt was recently crowned female artist of the year at the 41st Country Music Awards of Australia.
A passionate supporter, Britt has had a long association with the Knights as the Club’s Women in League Ambassador and is often heard singing the National Anthem before home games.
Your favourite Knights player (current) and why?:
Akuila Uate because he's the best current player. Watching him play is so inspiring because he does it with such passion and seems like a really good guy.
All time greatest Knights memory?:
The 2001 Grand Final against the Eels. We all caught the train down to Sydney to watch and it was an amazing win.
What you love about attending a Knights game at Hunter Stadium?: Going with my dad and brothers and sucking up the atmosphere. I especially love singing the national anthem for the boys.
Watch Catherine Britt's interview with Jeremy Smith here.
Mike Rabbitt
Long-serving NBN newsreader Mike Rabbit is another prominent Newcastle identity to pledge his alliance to the Newcastle Knights.
Rabbitt, who has been seen on television sets in Newcastle and the Hunter Region since 1982, and has been covering the Knights since they entered the competition in 1988.
Your favourite player (past) and why?:
I can't really say one player as there has been so many greats that I have had the pleasure of watching/commentating/interviewing over every season the Knights have played in, but if pressed Chief. He epitomizes everything a player representing this City and surrounds should stand for…passion in the jumper..passion in the team…passion to place others before himself…a leader of men.
What you love about attending a Knights game at Hunter Stadium?:
The atmosphere is fabulous but what always, on most occasions anyways, the amount of good sportsmanship shown towards the opposition if they happen to have the better of the Knights, it is something that I have always been a bit proud of being a Novocastrian.
All time greatest Knights memory?:
Without a doubt the 1997 grand final, it still makes me shed a tear watching the reply to this day.
Watch Mike Rabbitt's interview with Knights TV here.
Warren Smith
One of Newcastle's most iconic characters Warren Smith has pledged his support for the Red and Blue in 2013, signing on as a Knights' Membership Ambassador.
Your favourite Knights player (past) and why?:
Billy Peden is a stand out for me. He was a workhorse on the field, he led by example and never gave up. He was a great mentor to the younger players and really represented what I think a Newcastle Knights player should be. He was a good sportsman, a gentleman off the field and had time for all supporters.
Earliest Newcastle Knights memory?:
Sam Stewart leading the team in their first season and the Knights earning the respect for their solid defence. Also attending Knights training sessions that year with my boys and getting autographs from Sam Stewart. They loved big Sam.
What you love about attending a Knights game at Hunter Stadium?:
Being with family and friends.Hunter Stadium is such a good ground to watch the game.
Click here to watch Warren's interview with Danny Buderus.