Knights Reach Deal with Hunter Venues

The Newcastle Knights NRL Club and the NSW Government have effectively resolved their dispute over EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Knights and the Hunter Sports Venue Authority (Hunter Venues), which manages the stadium on behalf of the NSW Government, have been in disagreement since March last year.

The Knights are seeking compensation for the stadium's reduced capacity during rebuilding of the western grandstand and have held in abatement from Hunter Venues about $1.5 million in rent for the 2008 and 2009 NRL seasons.

An arbitration hearing presided over by retired High Court judge Michael McHugh began in Sydney on Tuesday, concluding with the issuing of a joint statement that night.

The statement read "Hunter Venues and the Newcastle Knights have come to an in-principle agreement in respect of their arbitration proceedings.

"The agreement involves resolution of all outstanding issues between the parties. The parties will not be making any further comment until the final conclusion of the matter."

Legal representatives for the Knights and Hunter Venues are expected to finalise details over the coming weeks. 

2nd April 2009 - STORM OVER ENERGY AUSTRALIA STADIUM

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