Newcastle Knights fans remain proud despite heartbreaking one-point NRL grand final loss to Roosters

Newcastle Knights faithful say they remain proud of the team's efforts, despite a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Roosters in Sunday's NRL grand final.

Momentum had been building across Newcastle for the past week, with the city awash in red and blue as anticipation grew for the Knights' first grand final in 25 years.

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Thousands of passionate fans gathered at the Knights' home ground last night to cheer on the side at a makeshift live site.

Meanwhile, bars, clubs and living rooms across the Hunter were packed with supporters decked out in red and blue.

The Knights started strong, scoring two tries in the first half to take a six-point lead into the break, but the Roosters took control in the second half, with a 69th-minute Daly Cherry-Evans field goal ultimately paving the way for the win.

Fighting back tears, Knights superfan Donna said it was a devastating loss, but the boys still did the town proud.

"[I'm] shattered but the team played so well, they really fought for it," she said.

"They really tried hard and we're really proud of the boys and everything they've achieved this year.

Knights coach Justin Holbrook praised the side's "heart".

"If you can win anything on heart and effort, then we definitely won that because it was the hardest game of footy I've ever coached," he said.

"But again, you don't win off being proud, you win off being the better side, and we weren't the better side and we didn't win.

More patients discharged

The excitement building ahead of the grand final was shaken on Saturday when a car hit 10 fans lining the roadside in Newcastle to wave the Knights off to Sydney.

In the latest update, Hunter New England Health said six patients had been discharged from hospital.

One patient remains in a serious but stable condition and it is understood the other three are stable.

A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were both in critical condition on Saturday, but their conditions have improved overnight.

Hunter New England Health could not confirm which patient remained in the serious condition.

The alleged driver of the car, 18-year-old Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe, is facing nine charges including three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He was formally refused bail on Sunday and is due to face court again later this month.

Knights faithful Kylie told the ABC the incident sent a shock wave through the community but ultimately brought it closer together.

"It just goes to show how close a community everyone is," she said.

Eyes to 2027

Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga said he could not be prouder of his club's journey after finishing bottom of the ladder last year.

"Nothing this week was a burden on us," he said.

"Our community just rally around each other.

"Fortunately we get to experience what we experienced this week and that's definitely a feeling that I'll chase again.

Knights veteran and two-time premiership player Mark Hughes said the city would now turn its attention to next season.

"[I] can't wait to see the boys and give them a hug and say thank you for the hope and the joy they've given this community the last month," he said.

"Everyone around the stands are so proud of the boys' efforts.

The Knights returned to Newcastle in the early hours of Sunday morning and were met with crowds of supporters and Newcastle chants reverberating through the streets.

Despite the loss, Knights fans will get the chance to celebrate the team's efforts with a fan day being held at Hunter Stadium later today.