Newcastle police deploy specialist units for NRL grand final weekend

Police conducted an extensive operation across Newcastle and the Hunter region from October 2 through the NRL grand final weekend. Specialist units, including the riot squad and highway patrol, were deployed to manage crowds as fans gathered to watch the Newcastle Knights play the Sydney Roosters.

While most fans remained well-behaved during the Sunday festivities, officers responded to reports of intoxication, disorderly behavior, and minor assaults at licensed venues. A crowd gathered on King Street to welcome the Knights home following their one-point loss.

The weekend was marked by significant incidents, including a Saturday event in Wallsend where an 18-year-old driver allegedly lost control of a vehicle and struck fans, injuring a five-year-old girl, a 67-year-old man, and eight others. Additionally, a separate incident in Merewether involved a man being struck in the face with a machete.