As the NRL grand final approaches, sports fans across Australia are preparing to select a team to support, even if their own club is not competing. The matchup between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters has sparked a cultural conversation regarding the identity of each team and the fanbases they represent.

The Newcastle Knights are frequently characterized as a working-class team, deeply rooted in the industrial history of the Hunter Valley region. Supporters often emphasize the team's blue-collar ethos and regional loyalty, positioning them as the underdogs or the 'people's choice' in the eyes of many neutral observers.

Conversely, the Sydney Roosters are often described as 'eastside heavyweights.' This framing highlights the club's location in a more affluent area of Sydney and their history of success, which some fans contrast against the gritty image of Newcastle. While the Roosters are recognized for their competitive stature, this perception of wealth and status can influence how casual fans decide who to support on game day. The decision for many neutrals often shifts from purely athletic analysis to a symbolic choice between the perceived 'working-class' identity of Newcastle and the 'establishment' status of Sydney.