The Once a Knight Old Boys are rolling out the big guns for their annual Sportsman’s Lunch next month.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys and Newcastle Knights head coach Justin Holbrook have been confirmed as the headline speakers, with Mark Hughes emceeing.

The event, presented alongside the NRL club, will take place at NEX on Friday 13 February.

And, it’s shaping up as the most significant edition in the Old Boys’ 20-year history. 

Once a Knight vice-president Stephen Crowe said the calibre of speakers reflected the growing standing of the organisation… and the strength of its ties within the game. 

“We have one major fundraising event each year, and that sustains us for the rest of the calendar year,” he explained. 

“So, for us it’s, it’s incredibly important.

“It also brings together our membership, our major sponsors, and gives us the opportunity to talk to people. 

“I’ve gotta say, this year looks it will be our best event ever, because of the quality speakers.

“We’ve got Peter V’landys, who is the chairman of the NRL and also the CEO of Racing New South Wales. 

“I can’t recall him ever being in Newcastle for a public event.

“So, we think it’s a real coup that we’ve managed to bring him along and speak to the rugby league public in Newcastle.

“And, Justin Holbrook, the new Knights coach, is the other guest speaker.

“To have both those guys on the card, emceed by Mark Hughes, a Knights legend, is a pretty compelling entertainment package for people to come along and see.”

The lunch will be staged in The Arena at NEX, with guests treated to a premium experience including a two-course meal, four-hour beverage package, entertainment, auctions and raffles.

Crowe said the timing of the event made it particularly appealing for fans.

“I think it’s perfect… it’s two weeks before the season kicks off and two weeks before the Knights go to Vegas,” he added.

“It’s not that far away at all.

“So, as we build close to it, to hear from the head coach and the chair of the NRL, I think it’s just a really opportune time for our supporters of the game to hear from such influential people.”

All the funds raised on the day will support the Once a Knight Old Boys and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), continuing a long-standing partnership that remains central to the group’s mission. 

“The Mark Hughes Foundation has been our long-term charity partners,” Crowe said. 

“Mark, himself, is an ex-player, which made it an obvious choice for us.

“But, as a charity, they are the gold medallists in terms of their contribution to brain cancer research and support.

“I can’t imagine a time in the future when they won’t be our charity partner.

“Hopefully, we’ll raise plenty of money for the foundation as well as for the Old Boys because we need to support our own services that we provide.

“For our ability to function as an organisation effectively, we need about $70,000 or $80,000 minimum, per annum. 

“So, to have Mark on board is great and he’s an amazing human being.

“He’s probably more famous now for his foundation than he was for his rugby league career… and his rugby league career was amazing. 

“During his footy career, he won two premierships, played State of Origin for New South Wales, and he was literally a club legend.

“But, now, his foundation seems to, amazingly, have surpassed that in terms of being recognised for his contribution to brain cancer research and support.

“He’s also entertaining, damn funny and an excellent MC.

“To have his skills and talents on display will just add to the afternoon.”

The function will also celebrate the past, present and future of the Knights, a connection Crowe believes remains vital to the club’s identity. 

“It’s nice to have an incredibly proud history over almost 40 years,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“And, today’s players are focused on 2026, but one of the Knights’ core values is tradition.

“Much of that drives the culture for the current players. 

“Understanding and appreciating the history and the traditions of the Knights is integral to being successful for the future, which we will touch on at the lunch.

“And, there’s already a strong interest in the event.

“We certainly hope to sell out. 

“I would encourage anyone who’s interested in coming to book a table or a seat, as soon as possible to ensure that they don’t miss out.”

For more sports stories:

• Momentum takes flight for Jets ahead of final run
• Clough brings a seasoned touch to Jets’ midfield
• Super sub fires Jets to ALW comeback win over Sky Blues

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.