NEWCASTLE formed part of the state's first rugby league competition, travelling down to Sydney in 1908.
This region's love of the sport has only continued to grow ever since.
Old photographs of local grand finals show people in their thousands packed on the hill at No.1 Sportsground, anecdotes of Newcastle's famed 1964 State Cup win still live on and nowadays, of course, the Knights take centre stage as part of the game's elite.
Some of the best players to ever lace a boot hail from here - Andrew Johns, Clive Churchill and John Sattler, just to name a few.
And every weekend during winter, at parks across the greater Hunter area, children, men and women kit up for a game with clubs like Wests, Valentine, Nelson Bay, West Maitland and Scone.
Yet another chapter in a storied history could be written next month with rugby league's showpiece event, State of Origin, a chance of being played at McDonald Jones Stadium.
With Sydney's venues likely out of the question because of the NSW government's coronavirus restrictions, and Queensland having already hosted the opening two games, the Blues are on the hunt for a new home ground.
Interstate options may present even more logistical difficulties in the current COVID-19 climate and while the nation's capital or regional alternatives could be considered, officials have the chance to reward a rugby league heartland.
Knights fans display their dedication time after time, regardless of how good or bad the club is going, to support from the sidelines.
And while a full house would be ideal for NSW v Queensland, they would still be the hottest tickets in town despite any crowd cap.
NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden made this comment on Monday: "I want them to play in Sydney or NSW somewhere. Whether that is in Newcastle it is fine by me. But I want it to be in NSW for obvious reasons. It's a viable alternative."
Hunter footy followers will be hoping McDonald Jones Stadium proves most viable for July 14 and, rather than being sent back up north to enemy territory, Blues captain James Tedesco lifts the shield along Turton Road.
