Your 2026 match day itinerary

The nib Newcastle Knights will return to McDonald Jones Stadium this Sunday for a clash with the Dolphins in Round 18.

The two sides will face off in the 4:05pm time-slot, as the Knights look to make it three in a row after home wins against the Dragons and Tigers.

With anticipation building, we've broken down everything you need to know ahead of kick-off to make sure you enjoy your footy:

NRL Round 18 Knights vs Dolphins

Date:	Sunday, July 5, 2026
Venue:	McDonald Jones Stadium
Gates/Fan Zone Open:	2:30pm
NRL – Knights vs Dolphins:	4:05pm

Key Game Day Info

Theme: N/A

50/50 Charity Partner: HMRI

Match Day Sponsor: nib

Match Day Presented by nib

The 2026 nib Game Changer all-abilities program will return during the half-time break at this week's game.

The nib Game Changer program is a free, all-abilities inclusion initiative designed to empower individuals with a disability or additional support needs. Run in partnership with the Trainer Group Foundation, it uses physical activity and classroom-based learning to build confidence, develop social skills, and foster new friendships.

The Game Changer participants will take to McDonald Jones Stadium at Half Time, showcasing their talents in front of a massive crowd. This is not to be missed!

Fans can also be a part of the action at the nib stand in the Knights Fan Zone this Sunday 5 July. Share your health win and spin the wheel for your chance to win*.

*Eligibility and T&Cs apply. Visit the nib stand on Sunday, 5 July for more details.

Merchandise

Official Knights merchandise will be available throughout the venue on Game Day, while our official Club Shop will be open from 9am until kick off.

Product title: 2026 Men's Home Jersey
Sale price: 170.00

Official merchandise can also be purchased on our online store.

Ticketing

Tickets for all Knights home games can be purchased online by clicking here.

A limited amount of tickets will also be available at the Box Office on Game Day.

We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets prior to match day to avoid disappointment and queues.

Membership

With new signings, returning stars, and the rivalries that define the game, membership puts you at the heart of every unforgettable moment in 2026.

Full season and partial season memberships on sale now.

The Knights Membership Team are available to assist with any issues on Game Day. The team are located outside the entrance to the Western grandstand at the Membership Box Office Window.

Knights Youth Co. 2026 Pin Collection

Cross the line and score your next collectible at the nib Newcastle Knights Youth Co. tent this Sunday!

The "TRY!" pin is the fourth release in the 2026 Knights Youth Co. collectors’ series and is the perfect addition to your growing collection.

Show your Youth Co. or Junior Membership card at the Fan Zone tent to grab yours before they’re gone.

Download the printable Youth Co. Collectible Checklist for this season’s collectibles here.

Not a member? The Knights Youth Co. Membership is completely free and is a special pass to a whole lot of fun, goodies, merch, pop-ups, perks, and activities across the season.

Join now!

Get ready for the footy at Wests!

Before kick-off, swing by Wests, New Lambton to soak in the pre-game buzz alongside your fellow Knights supporters and support the club that supports the Knights!

Just a short 10-minute stroll from the stadium, Wests is the ideal pre or post-game experience all season long.

Not a member? No worries.

JOIN TODAY!

Social membership is free and ensures seamless club entry or join as a Full Member for just $10 and get $10 back instantly. Plus enjoy full member benefits including 10% off food outlets, 15% off beverages at public bars and member only offers like $6* Happy Hours from 4pm – 6pm daily and $15.90* Savvy Savers from Mon – Thurs. *T&Cs apply. Visit mywests.com.au for more details.

Pre-Game

Please note, there is no pre-match curtain raiser this week.

Fan Zone

There will be plenty happening in the Fan Zone outside of the stadium prior to kick-off.

Get in early with the whole family, with plenty on offer for everyone:

McDonald Jones Homes Activation
Giant Games
Red Energy Jumping Castle
Face Painting
Balloon Twisters
Hunter City Motor Group Display Car
Live DJ
HMRI Blood Pressure Checks
Knights Merchandise
Reflections Holidays Activation

Venue

McDonald Jones Stadium, 294 Turton Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292

50-50 Charity Raffle

The 50-50 Charity Raffle is a not-for-profit fundraising product operated by the 50-50 Foundation. It is the Foundation's aim to raise significant funds for charities and good causes by partnering with sporting clubs and teams, event owners and charity partners to host fundraising raffles.

50% of the prize pool raised at each fundraising raffle goes to one lucky ticket holder who is drawn at random during the event. The remaining 50% goes directly towards charitable purposes.

Purchase raffle tickets before the game online or get yours on game day to show your support.

This week's Charity Partner - Hunter Medical Research Institute

Shuttle

Knights fans will have an easy time getting to Newcastle Knights home games thanks to free, dedicated bus services that will run to McDonald Jones Stadium during the 2026 season.

Free bus services for Knights fans will run at regular intervals from two hours prior to kick off from selected bus stops along the route. Return services will run for around an hour after full-time. Catch one of the five stadium shuttle services to get to Knights games at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2026.

Find out more and download the timetable here.

Parking

NRL fans driving to the game are encouraged to plan to arrive early as parking on-site and in the area will be in high demand and traffic may be heavier than usual.

Parking on game days is available only for vehicles with a pre-paid parking ticket.

Disabled parking areas have been designated in close proximity to each of the McDonald Jones Stadium accessible entries. To purchase mobility parking please phone Ticketmaster on 136 100 or visit the Ticketmaster box office at the Stadium.

Train

The closest station to McDonald Jones Stadium is Broadmeadow on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.

Trains run regularly to Broadmeadow on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line which is within walking distance of McDonald Jones Stadium.

Remember you'll need to use an Opal card or contactless payment method when travelling to and from the game on public transport. Register your details via the Opal website or app ahead of time.

Drop-off zones

If you wish to drop off a patron in the stadium's car park we do have a 10-minute loading zone. This can be accessed by entering either driveway off Turton Road.

Taxi

McDonald Jones Stadium taxi stand is located at Young Road, Broadmeadow. Taxis can be accessed after the event by following the signs to Young Road. For further information please contact Newcastle Taxis on 13 33 00.