Newcastle's Foreshore Park has been recognised as a site of great significance in the history of
Australian Rugby League.
Knights Captain,
Danny Buderus signed off from official club duties today after presenting Lord
Mayor, John Tate with a Centenary of Rugby League plaque, highlighting Newcastle's contribution
to the game's first 100 years.
The location was
chosen due to its significance as the scene of the 2001 Grand Final Civic
Reception, when 80,000 Novocastrian supporters turned out to celebrate with
their team.
As the plaque states,
Foreshore Park was also an alternative venue, selected to accommodate the
district's passionate supporters following chaotic scenes at the smaller Civic
Park in 1997, after Newcastle's famous win against arch rivals, Manly.
"Wednesday the 3rd of October, 2001 is a day I'll never forget," said Buderus.
"80,000 Newcastle supporters
turned out here to help us celebrate that historical victory and this Centenary
Plaque will ensure our two Premierships are never lost in time."
Today's presentation was part of the
Australian Rugby League's nation-wide Centenary Plaques program, which this
year has seen 177 grounds, stadiums, leagues clubs and club foundation sites
recognised for their part in Rugby League's proud 100-year history.
Foreshore Park joins other Newcastle regional venues such as Kurri Kurri Sports
Ground, Newcastle Showgrounds, Newcastle League's Club, and the site of Pike's
Rooms on Bolton Street - where Rugby League in Newcastle was first conceived in 1907 - as Centenary Plaque recipients.
"The 2001 Knights
grand final win was a wonderful occasion for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter, this plaque will
ensure that we remember that grand final win and what it meant to our City"
said Lord Mayor Tate
"The Knights are such
an important part of our sporting culture, I am proud that Newcastle has been chosen by the ARL as part
of the Centenary of Rugby League, to display this plaque."
The presentation also
marked Buderus's final public appearance as a Newcastle Knight before he heads
to the English Super League to join the Leeds Rhinos.
"It's been an
unforgettable experience to represent the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley," he said.
"I will never forget
my time at the Knights or the people who have supported us through the good
times and the bad and I'm extremely proud to be leaving our club in great shape.
"I'll be watching the
Knights 2009 campaign with interest from the other side of the world."
