The King has spoken: Elvis the croc backs the Knights

newy.com.au – The Newcastle Knights have picked up a heavyweight supporter ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final, although finding a jersey that fits could be a challenge.

Elvis, the Australian Reptile Park’s 4.8 metre saltwater crocodile, has tipped Newcastle to beat the Sydney Roosters in the 2026 decider, delivering his verdict with a snap of his jaws.

Weighing an estimated 500 kilograms, the park’s famously cranky resident was presented with two identical pieces of meat during his school holiday feeding. Keepers stood on either side of his enclosure, wearing the teams’ respective hats and holding an offering each.

The rules were simple. Whichever team’s meat Elvis went for would get his backing.

Getting an answer took a little longer.

As visitors watched from around the enclosure, Elvis slowly emerged from the water and sized up the two offerings. For a while, both teams remained in contention.

Then he turned towards the Knights’ meat and clamped down. Newcastle had its endorsement. Elvis had lunch.

Australian Reptile Park operations manager Brandon Gifford, who helped put the crocodile’s tipping skills to the test, was happy to defer to the veteran.

“Elvis the crocodile is Australia’s crankiest croc, he’s over 60 years of age and he’s an oracle for these games, so the big decisions we rest on his jaws,” Mr Gifford said.

It is familiar territory for Elvis, who was also called upon to choose between NSW and Queensland ahead of the 2025 State of Origin decider.

His sporting judgement may be open to debate, but his ability to make an impression is well established.

Elvis was removed from the wild in the Northern Territory after developing a habit of attacking fishing boats. After arriving at the Australian Reptile Park, he added a lawnmower to his list of conquests, famously stealing and destroying the machine belonging to his keepers.

This time, the assignment was considerably more welcome for Newcastle fans.

“In those final moments it could have gone either way, but Elvis angled in and honed in on the Newcastle Knights, slammed his jaws shut for the win and he’s very excited for Sunday night’s game,” Mr Gifford said.

Visitors can see Elvis during the spring school holidays at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast, where crocodile feedings form part of the daily wildlife program.

The Knights still have to deliver on Sunday night. Their biggest reptilian backer has already done his bit.