A snapshot of the week’s top local stories.
It was the bombshell of the week, maybe even the year – the Hunter Sports Group pulling its support for the Newcastle Jets.
The crisis dominated headlines, shocking both players, Jets staff and supporters and ramping up an already bitter dispute between Nathan Tinkler and Football Federation of Australia.
CEO Troy Palmer said HSG had lost all confidence in FFA management, citing first yerar losses of $12-million, the handling of the insurance of injured Socceroo Jason Culina, and the fact that Tinkler paid up to $5-million for the Jets licence.How much did fellow mining magnate Clive Palmer pay for his?
But FFA was quick to remind Nathan Tinkler his actions were in breach of his contract until 2020 and is now reportedly pursuing legal action worth anywhere between $30-million and $100-million. Some legal opinion has even roped the Knights into the whole mess. Ouch!!!
Players were concerned for their futures after being told to look elsewhere, and supporters have banded together to save the club with a rally at Hunter Stadium organised for next week.
Bottom line: the game deserves better in such a proud soccer region.
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From power games to power prices – it was bad news for consumers with the carbon tax again haunting households.
This time it’s spooked energy prices with the state’s pricing regulator recommending an increase of more than $380 a year.
And it will hit Hunter hip pockets hard with Country Energy customers charged an extra $7.32 a week or $381 a year.
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There was tragedy on the Mid North Coast with a kayaker found dead after going missing in rough seas on Easter Monday.
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Further north there was a lucky escape for a Nimbin man who somehow survived a 75-metre tumble down a cliff at Byron Bay.
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Surf Life Saving Australia stripped the Gold Coast’s Kurrawa Beach of the National Championships after the death of Matt Barclay.
He was the third competitor to die at the beach in 16 years.
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On a lighter note the Newcastle Knight’s most devoted fan was given the birthday gift of a lifetime – a meet and greet with her beloved boys in red and blue.
Patty Smith was sideline celebrating her 90th birthday at Sunday’s clash against the Eels.
She has only missed one home game since 1988 – but she probably wished she’d missed this one.
The Knights Eels game was a shocker, a rare highlight was Jarrod Mullen’s defence.
The performance certainly didn’t inspire coach Wayne Bennett – fingers crossed the side starts to gel soon and produce the magic the super coach is known for. Better to win ugly though!
