The nib Newcastle Knights recently travelled through the Upper Hunter and Greater Northern region, continuing the Club’s commitment to engaging with communities across northern NSW.
NRLW players, along with pathways and community staff, visited a range of primary and high schools throughout Scone, Singleton, Tamworth and Armidale, meeting students, teachers and local families while sharing key messages around wellbeing, learning and rugby league development.
Primary school sessions focused on the importance of teamwork, respect and overall wellbeing, with interactive activities and discussions designed to help young people build positive habits both inside and outside the classroom.
This was achieved through the implementation of the Knights Inspire program, which was successfully applied at last week's school blitz.
High school visits delivered skills clinics aimed at developing rugby league fundamentals and boosting confidence for young athletes.
NRLW star Botille Vette-Welsh said the opportunity to connect with regional students was a meaningful one for the playing group.
“We're very blessed to be able to be out here in the outer skirts of Newcastle and to be able to inspire the next generation," Vette-Welsh said.
"Just seeing how it inspires them inspires us as well, so it's really cool.”
Knights General Manager of Pathways, Simon Healey, reinforced the Club’s commitment to community connection.
2025 Greater Northern Community Blitz
“Everything ties in from our pathways work to our community work to NRL being in the community," Healey said.
The whole thing that we're doing is about the community.
"It's our duty to be able to come out here and give back to the fans.”
NRLW playmaker Georgia Roche highlighted the importance of visibility and long-term development across the region.
“We're just getting the logo back in the area, getting familiar with the kids too. Hopefully we’ll see a fair group of them come down and play for the Knights," Roche said.
"We want to be here, we want to grow this area, and bring great footballers out of this region.”
The tour aimed to strengthen connections with local communities and reinforce the Club’s long-standing commitment to supporting youth development across the region.
The Knights will return in early 2026, travelling further north to connect with additional communities and continue delivering educational programs, school visits and game development initiatives.
