The Newcastle Knights
Proud sponsors of the Newcastle Knights' Indigenous round
Our University is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Knights, working alongside the club to create opportunities across sport, education, research and community engagement.
The University is a sponsor of the Newcastle Knights' Indigenous round. With more than 1,500 Indigenous graduates, the University is deeply committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing and educational opportunities.
“We’re excited to stand with the Newcastle Knights and the National Rugby League to celebrate and promote Indigenous culture,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor - Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, Nathan Towney.
Our partnership with the Newcastle Knights helps to provide enriching experiences to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students through events like the Aboriginal Numeracy Day. This fun and engaging event develops mathematic skills using rugby league activities.
Our partnership with the Newcastle Knights also includes:
Two Aboriginal Numeracy Gala Days each year in partnership with Wollotuka, bringing around 150 Aboriginal high school students to our campus, supported by our Education and Exercise and Sport Science students.
Career-ready placements with the Knights: Every year, our students gain hands-on experience working alongside the Knights through placements in exercise and sport science, media and physiotherapy.
Industry-linked PhD projects focused on NRLW performance, with our researchers working closely with the club to help grow knowledge in women’s elite sport.
Our Knights University Pathway Program, with five Knights players pursuing their own educational goals, proving that learning and high-performance sport can go hand in hand.
Destiny and Zahara both completed career-ready placements during the 2026 NRL season
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Equity and Engagement, Nathan Towney doing the coin toss for the 2026 Indigenous Round
Student musician, Maddie Lillie, and Alumni dance company Midnight Dreaming performing at half time at the Indigenous Round match.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.