THERE might not be any silverware headed to Newcastle this season, but gold was a popular colour on the red carpet at the Knights awards on Tuesday night.
Glitz and glamour came to Newcastle NEX as current stars Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best and Phoenix Crossland and their partners, mingled with sponsors and old boys, including Kurt Gidley, Steve Simpson, Mark Hughes and Danny Buderus.
Some of the night's most eye-catching outfits included a high-thigh split gold-sequined dress, worn by Knights Dance Squad director Alex Tsambos, and a demure off-the-shoulder yellow fitted-gown worn by winger Tom Jenkins' partner Jessica Dirix.
Kayla Fenech, the daughter of boxing legend Jeff Fenech and partner of Knights Origin centre, Bradman Best, turned out in a floor-length green gown with a diamond cut mid-section.
Away from the red carpet, the night also provided a moment for celebration following the team's season-ending loss against the Cowboys last Saturday.
For Daniel Saifiti, Enari Tuala, Tom Jenkins and Krystian Mapapalangi it was a final chance to represent the club before moving on in 2025.
"Tonight is a celebration of the year we've had and acknowledging all the hard work that everyone across the whole club put in to get us to this point," Gagai told the Newcastle Herald.
Gagai also said the awards night was an opportunity to thank partners for all their help behind the scenes.
"A lot of sacrifices are made by them throughout the year so it is nice to have a night where we celebrate with them and leave the kids at home," he said.
Five-eighth Tyson Gamble had his right hand - which underwent surgery last month - heavily strapped as he walked the red carpet with his partner Hayley Mills.
"It was a disappointing way for our season to finish, but halfway through the season nobody would have thought we would play in the finals," Gamble said.
"It was a disappointing way to finish, but we get to celebrate one more night."
