Brief
Fletcher Sharpe becomes the face of Newcastle ahead of NRL Grand Final
The Knights’ fullback is celebrated for his mullet, greyhound Cessnock Curtain and working‑class background as thousands gather at McDonald Jones Stadium.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Newcastle Knights fullback Fletcher Sharpe has emerged as the emblem of the city ahead of the NRL Grand Final, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
On Sunday, more than 12,000 supporters attended an open training session at McDonald Jones Stadium, many sporting haircuts modelled on Sharpe’s distinctive mullet. Sharpe, a Cessnock native and former Cessnock Goannas junior, arrived at the session to a crowd chanting “Up the Knights” and “Go Newy”. He also highlighted his greyhound, Cessnock Curtain, which has recorded 47 starts, 10 wins and $29,360 in prize money.
What the reports add
The article notes that Sharpe’s background includes a stint as a plumber, playing cricket in summer, and still living with his parents. It also recounts that his first contract with the Knights was a $1,000 deal for two seasons, signed after recruiter Alex McKinnon spotted him at age 16. McKinnon, now a senior scout, says Sharpe’s ability to run, hurdle and create opportunities is “pure football” that cannot be taught.
What was said
Sharpe told the Herald, “Being born and bred out in Cessnock and growing up here, this is your hometown team.” He added, “It’s super cool when you see the young fellas come up to you and say, ‘I’ve got a haircut like you’. It gives you a good feel.” McKinnon reflected, “I can honestly say the first time I watched him play, I didn’t think he could do this… They ended up picking him at fullback, and he hasn’t looked back.”
How it came about
Sharpe’s rise mirrors the Knights’ recent surge from wooden‑spooners to Grand Final contenders, a storyline covered by Felo News in earlier pieces on the team’s preliminary‑final run and coaching changes. His local roots and visible style have turned him into a cultural touchstone for Newcastle fans, reinforcing the city’s working‑class identity as the Knights head into the championship match.
Key facts
- Fletcher Sharpe is the Newcastle Knights fullback and has become the city’s emblem ahead of the Grand Final. (smh.com.au)
- More than 12,000 fans attended a training session at McDonald Jones Stadium, many copying Sharpe’s mullet. (smh.com.au)
- Sharpe’s greyhound, Cessnock Curtain, has 47 starts, 10 wins and $29,360 in prize money. (smh.com.au)
- His first Knights contract was $1,000 for two seasons after recruiter Alex McKinnon spotted him at 16. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “NRL grand final 2026: The Cessnock Curtain: How Knights star Fletcher Sharpe became the face of Newcastle”
