Knights fans caught in train delays on way to preliminary final

UPDATE: Trains are starting to arrive at stations now. Passengers should still expect significant delays and crowded carriages. It is important to note that the train diversions are adding an additional ONE HOUR to the trip, so some Novocastrians may miss the game.

newy.com.au – Knights supporters travelling to Sydney for today’s NRL preliminary final have been caught in lengthy train delays after a freight train developed a problem at Warnervale, passengers are reporting services held at Morisset and Dora Creek and all stations towards Newcastle.

Transport for NSW says repair crews are on site and replacement buses are being organised, but the buses had not arrived when its statement was issued. No estimated time for normal services to resume was provided.

The disruption comes as Newcastle supporters head to Accor Stadium for the Knights’ clash with Penrith, with a grand final berth at stake. Gates open at 2.15pm and kick-off is scheduled for 4pm.

“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 said.

“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.

“Replacement buses are being organised but are not yet on site.”

Passengers commenting on Newy’s Facebook page described a growing impact along the line, with some reporting waits of more than an hour.

Cass Pascoe said her train had been stopped at Morisset since 9.35am. In a message to Newy at 10.15am, another passenger said a Sydney-bound train “full of knights supporters” was stuck at Morisset behind the affected freight service.

Natalie Bridges reported being held farther north at Dora Creek on what she described as the 10am train, with the 9am service ahead.

“We are staying at Dora Creek until further notice! We are the 10am train,” she wrote.

She also criticised the information provided to passengers, saying her group had not been told about the disruption until after leaving Awaba.

Kaysie Field reported waiting at Fassifern, while Andrew Brown said no trains were passing through Cardiff at the time of his comment and that people there were being told to get to Gosford to catch a service. Passengers should confirm their travel options with station staff, as those comments describe individual experiences during the disruption.

Despite the frustration, Koby Harvey said the mood among supporters stuck at Morisset remained positive: “newy spirit is still strong up the KNIGHTS !”

Additional match-day trains are scheduled to depart Newcastle Interchange at 12.01pm and 12.56pm, reaching Strathfield at 2.38pm and 3.16pm respectively, where supporters can change for Olympic Park. Extra return services are scheduled to leave Strathfield at 6.45pm and 7.31pm. These are scheduled times, and passengers should check live updates because of the disruption.

Pre-purchased match tickets include travel on Newcastle–Sydney intercity trains and connecting services to Olympic Park, with train travel covered until 4am the following day. The stadium is approximately a 10-minute walk from Olympic Park station.

Transport for NSW is urging passengers to allow plenty of extra time, check transport apps and information screens, and listen to station announcements. Current travel information is available attransportnsw.info.