Stories from Newcastle · Australia

Kita Zoo claimed the vacant WBO International Super Welterweight title after defeating Spanish fighter Oscar Diaz in Newcastle. The fight ended in the sixth round via technical knockout.

Australian designers have reported that their designs are being sold by the Chinese fast fashion company Shein. The reports involve products being sold outside a shopping centre near Newcastle.

Newcastle Knights NRL coach Justin Holbrook confirmed five key players are returning from injury for the upcoming round. Captain Kalyn Ponga is named to return from a hamstring injury for the match against Souths.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle's Centre for Conservation identified Lil John's tree frog as a unique species endemic to New South Wales. The stream-breeding frogs live in eucalypt forests and have only been documented in three regions, including the Warrinora Plateau.

The Blues defeated the opposition 11 points to 6 in Newcastle to begin their women's State of Origin campaign. New South Wales victory moves the team closer to securing back-to-back titles. Coach John Strange stated the team will utilize the interval before game two in Brisbane. O'Tessa Pooley scored the opening try for the Morones in the second minute. Ellie Johnson scored for the Blues in the 45th minute. Jessica Sergers and Jesse Southwell also scored for the Blues, with Southwell providing a field goal to secure the win.

New South Wales defeated Queensland 11-6 in the first game of the women's rugby league State of Origin in Newcastle. Queensland took an early 6-0 lead following a try by Tessa Bulle and a conversion by Lauren Brown. New South Wales responded in the second half with a try by Ellie Johnston in the 46th minute. A field goal in the 64th minute by Jesse Southwell secured the victory for the Blues. The Blues secured the win following a late field goal by Jesse Southwell and a final try by Jessica Sergis. Queensland's Lauren Brown stated the team missed their opportunity after a strong start. The Blues secured a victory with 26 points against the South, according to ABC Sport reporter Andrew Moore. The match was attended by a crowd of 20,179 people. The series will move to Brisbane following this result. The match took place in Newcastle before 20,000 spectators.

The opening match of the State of Origin rugby league series is scheduled to begin in Newcastle in under 20 minutes. Approximately 20,000 spectators are expected to attend the event. The match features rivals New South Wales and Queensland.

Ivana Lola-Cio will make her Origin debut at centre for the Queensland side. The roster change moves Shanae Sazulka to the bench and removes Brianna Clarke from the 17-player squad.

Newcastle Knights captain Kaelin Ponga will remain with the club until at least the end of the 2030 season. Ponga announced the extension following media availability after being cleared to return from a hamstring injury this weekend. He addressed speculation regarding potential moves to other NRL clubs or a switch to Rugby Union, stating he is locked in with the Knights. The player noted there should be no further discussion regarding his status for the time being. Ponga stated he is excited and proud to remain with the team. He noted his influence would impact players, the club, and fans. The announcement follows his recent naming to the team.

The captain of the Blues stated that securing a victory in game one tomorrow night is for a strong start to the State of Origin series. The Blues won the previous series by winning two out of three matches but lost their final game in Newcastle. Isabelle Kelly noted that a game one win provides a boost to team morale and confidence. The Queensland Women's Rugby League coach stated the new squad is capable of stopping New South Wales from defending its title. New South Wales won the series within the first two games last year using a similar team roster. Blues coach John Strahan stated he does not intend to make many changes before the next State of Origin game on May 14. Strahan noted that some players have minor injuries and will undergo scans to determine fitness. The coach said the need for players to be fit for the upcoming match.