NEWCASTLE Knights chief executive officer Phil Gardner has praised the state government's support as work on the highly anticipated centre of excellence gets underway.
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Gardner and the club's head coach Adam O'Brien met Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin at the Broadmeadow site, nearby McDonald Jones Stadium, where the rugby league facility is being built.
"What a great day for the Knights and what a great day for Newcastle," Gardner said on Monday.
"Standing here we're looking at that stadium over there. That was probably the key change for rugby league in our region when that stadium was built.
"The government showed great confidence in our region to develop it. They are showing great confidence in our region by giving us the $10million to develop the centre of excellence."
O'Brien said the centre of excellence will be "hugely important" for the Knights moving forward.
"We often talk a lot about striving for excellence and maintain really high standards, this facility will keep that in line," O'Brien said.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity to connect our pathways with our senior team and the women's in the future, but also our town, our supporters and our members."
Martin can see the project helping "further strengthen" connections between the Knights and the wider community.
"The Newcastle Knights are part of the fabric of the Hunter," Martin said.
"The club represents the people and the people represent the club, creating a connection that is unique in Australian sport.
"The Knights' centre of excellence will further strengthen this connection by enabling the club to expand its community programs, initiatives and engagement."
Gardner said on Monday he expects work on the $20million project to be completed by November next year in time for pre-season training ahead of the 2022 season.
Richard Crookes Constructions have recently been awarded the tender. Daracon Group commenced work within the last month. An estimated 80 jobs will be created.
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IN THE NEWS:
Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
