At 95 years young, Patty Smith would have to be one of the nib Newcastle Knights’ most loyal supporters.
Since the Club’s inception in 1988, Patty donned the red and blue to cheer for her beloved team.
Now, 30 years on, her support hasn’t wavered, telling Knights TV she has only ever missed watching two games.
The sprightly Novocastrian said she has nothing but passion for the Knights and the culture and history of the Club.
“My favourite moment is when they win, the 97’ Grand Final that was something magnificent,” said Patty.
“I couldn’t believe it when they won.”
Patty, who grew up in Tighes Hill and moved to Gateshead where she currently resides, said she couldn’t imagine following any other sport or team.
“I’m born and bred here, never been anywhere else in my life, the only game we’ve ever seen the only game we know,” she said.
Thankful for her 30 years of support, the Knights invited Patty to celebrate her 95th birthday after Thursday’s captain’s run.
The Knights faithful was surprised with a happy birthday singalong from all the players before her favourite player Dane Gagai surprised her with a chocolate cake.
“They are very special people, love all the boys and I wished I was a little bit younger though, they’re lovely boys, I do have a special liking to Dane Gagai though,” she smiled.
The 95-year-old’s support is unwavering.
“Does anybody not stick with them, I just love them,” Patty added.
“I think that’s rather odd, strange, why wouldn’t they want to support them, they’re our team, everything about them is just magnificent.
“They shouldn’t be allowed to live in Newcastle if they don’t support the Knights,” she laughed.
Without a doubt, Patty will be at Friday’s clash with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and can’t wait to cheer them on.
“Of course, wouldn’t miss them for quids. Be true to the red and blue,” she chanted.
“Get in there and show them how to play football.”
Believing that barracking for the Knights has kept her young all these years.
“Got to love the red and blue,” Patty said.
Meanwhile, Jacob Saifiti and Jaelen Feeney dropped off the extended bench following the final training session.
Today we celebrated loyal fan Patty Smith's 95th birthday! Read the full story here: https://t.co/GyyngI9ACJ #goKnights pic.twitter.com/qdDaQXtXcS
— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) April 6, 2017
