NRL finals 2026 LIVE updates: Nathan Cleary to start on the bench in must-win final against Knights

Two hours of train delays have disrupted thousands of Newcastle fans heading to Sunday afternoon’s NRL finals blockbuster match between the Knights and reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers.

Transport for NSW has cited a freight train issue at Warnervale. As of about 12.30pm, replacement buses began arriving at Newcastle’s interchange.

“Passengers are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time on the Central Coast & Newcastle line due to an issue with a freight train at Warnervale,” Transport for NSW has said in a statement.

“Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal. Repair crews are on-site and working to restore train services as soon as possible.”

According to NRL.com, despite the match being vaguely in Penrith’s backyard at Accor Stadium (certainly compared to Newcastle at least), sales data shows Knights fans have bought about 65 per cent of tickets.

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Buses are beginning to arrive at Newcastle train station, taking stranded punters to the Central Coast, where they will have to board another train to reach the Sunday afternoon match in Olympic Park … which kicks off in t-minus 3 hours!

“Buses are replacing trains between Morisset and Wyong. Alternatively, passengers can make their way to Wyong as trains from Wyong towards the city continue to run,” Transport for NSW have said.

“The majority of the replacement buses from Morisset will run express or as required to Hornsby, where passengers can join T1 North Shore or T9 Northern Line trains to get to Olympic Park.

“Repair crews are on site working to restore train services as soon as possible. We apologise for this inconvenience and thank passengers for their patience.”

Two hours of train delays have disrupted thousands of Newcastle fans heading to Sunday afternoon’s NRL finals blockbuster match between the Knights and reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers.

Transport for NSW has cited a freight train issue at Warnervale. As of about 12.30pm, replacement buses began arriving at Newcastle’s interchange.

“Passengers are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time on the Central Coast & Newcastle line due to an issue with a freight train at Warnervale,” Transport for NSW has said in a statement.

“Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal. Repair crews are on-site and working to restore train services as soon as possible.”

According to NRL.com, despite the match being vaguely in Penrith’s backyard at Accor Stadium (certainly compared to Newcastle at least), sales data shows Knights fans have bought about 65 per cent of tickets.

By 6pm tonight, we’ll know who the Roosters will meet in next Sunday’s NRL grand final at Accor Stadium. The Panthers, a team chasing a fifth premiership in six years, will meet this year’s Cinderella story - the Newcastle Knights.

But, before we get to the match itself, there is some early bad news for Knights fans. There are some major delays on the rail line between Newcastle and Sydney today which is causing major delays for fans.