V’landys intervenes to save thousands of Knights fans from trackwork drama as grand final sells out

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has thanked NSW Premier Chris Minns for scrapping planned trackwork that threatened to cause grand final chaos for tens of thousands of Newcastle fans as the NRL decider sold out on Monday morning.

V’landys rang Minns early on Monday when the prospect of buses replacing trains between Newcastle and Wyong on Sunday was raised with NRL officials.

There was heavy traffic as fans travelled to Accor Stadium on Sunday.Sitthixay DitthavongThe Knights’ grand final run after claiming the wooden spoon in 2025 ranks as one of the unlikeliest stories in rugby league history, and has left transport officials scrambling.

Plans are being finalised for trains to run between Newcastle and Sydney, with V’landys forecasting an influx of more than 30,000 Knights fans as ticket sales for Sunday’s decider were exhausted shortly before midday.

“Chris Minns is one of the most can-do people you’ll ever see,” V’landys said.

“If it’s possible, he’ll get it done. And he wasn’t going to let 30,000-plus Newcastle fans down, so he immediately rearranged the trackwork.

Kalyn Ponga, Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen celebrate with Newcastle fans on Sunday. Getty Images“The NRL and Newcastle fans cannot be more appreciative of that action.”

Transport NSW officials have indicated that the scheduled works for Sunday will be moved to another day to accommodate increased commuter demand from the Hunter.

A Transport for NSW travel alert, which initially advised of buses replacing trains, was updated on Monday to say the planned trackwork will not go ahead, and extra services would be added between Newcastle and Sydney.

“We will also work with our freight partners to ensure the chance for disruption related to freight movements is minimised,” Transport for NSW advised.

“Several coach services will be on standby in the event of disruption.”

Knights fans already experienced drama getting to their team’s preliminary final on Sunday after an issue with a freight train at Warnervale led to delays and cancellations.

But those who reached Accor Stadium made their voices heard as the Knights stunned Penrith 22-14 despite playing 45 minutes with only 12 men on the field after Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle that left Panthers star Nathan Cleary with a badly broken leg.

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