A teenager is expected to be charged by police after allegedly “driving erratically” and crashing into fans waiting to cheer on the Newcastle Knights.

Police believe the 18-year-old P-plater was behind the wheel of a convertible when it crashed at a roundabout on Newcastle Link Rd in Wallsend about 9.30am on Saturday.

Hundreds of people were standing on the roadside to see off the Knights as they travelled to Sydney for the NRL grand final.

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Ten people were treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital.

Among them are a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man who are fighting for life in critical conditions.

The other eight people, aged between 2 and 63, are in stable conditions.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said the alleged driver and two passengers were whisked away from the scene by Highway Patrol officers as bystanders had “turned against them”.

Charges are expected to be laid for a teenager who allegedly drove into a crowd of Newcastle Knights fans on Saturday. Credit: 7NEWS

Waddell said the teenager was “driving erratically, lost control of the vehicle and then gone into the crowd”.

He was initially taken to hospital for mandatory testing but has since been released and taken to a police station where he is expected to be charged later on Saturday.

Waddell said he “believed” the teenager was known to police prior to the crash.

He praised bystanders for stepping in and providing assistance while emergency services raced to the scene.

“It made our job ... A lot easier as a result,” he said.

“It ripples through the community, these sort of events, and there’s lots of people now involved in this incident as a result.”

Ten people have been rushed to hospital after a car crashed into Newcastle Knights fans on Saturday morning. Credit: 7NEWS

Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley echoed the sentiment.

“A split-second decision can change so many people’s lives,” Catley said.

“That is what has happened here today.

“So many people have been affected by one person’s split-decision.”

She added that the “tragedy needn’t have happened”.

“Driver behaviour is so important and I can’t implore people enough to please remember when you are driving, you have to keep the people in your car sage and you have to keep pedestrians and other motorists safe.

“It’s your responsibility.”

It is a horrible situation and has immediately cast a pall over Newcastle’s extraordinary 2026 season.

The city has been in the grip of finals fever, with the Knights, last year’s wooden spooners, making it all the way to the decider this year under new coach Justin Holbrook.

The Knights last won a premiership 25 years ago in 2001. Since then there’s been nothing but heartache for the club’s loyal, long-suffering fans.

Knights star Kalyn Ponga shared words of support for those affected by the crash. Credit: AAP

Knights star Kalyn Ponga shared a post to Instagram later on Saturday morning, saying: “Our hearts are with everyone affected in Wallsend this morning”.

“We’re thinking of you, your families and everyone in our Newcastle community,” he wrote.

“Sending our love and support.”

Teammate Dane Gagai also echoed the sentiment in a post to social media.

“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this situation,” he said.

“Thoughts and prayers are with you.”

The team’s planned route had to be altered because of the road closure, meaning hundreds of fans missed out on showing their support.

“Members of the public are asked to safely disperse from the area and keep roadways clear to assist emergency services and traffic management efforts,” police said.

“Police thank the community for their patience, cooperation and assistance.”

Premier describes crash as ‘heartbreaking’

NSW Premier Chris Minns said it is “heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident”. 

“My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash,” Minns said in a statement.

“I also want to thank emergency services including police and ambulance who are responding to this tragedy.

“We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.”

He urged fans and families driving to Sydney for the grand final to “drive safely and take caution on roads”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with Minns about the crash.

“My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle,” Albanese said in a statement.

“I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.

“Rugby league brings people together and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans.”