By Catherine Bouris in Sydney

A number of NRL fans lining a road to cheer on the grand final-qualifying Newcastle Knights’ team bus have been struck by a car and injured.

Emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at Transfield Drive roundabout following reports a vehicle had hit multiple people about 9.30am on Saturday.

Several of them were treated at the scene.

NSW Ambulance confirmed multiple people were then transported to John Hunter Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested.

Newcastle Link Road has been closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time.

The Newcastle Knights bus was diverted via an alternate route in response to the incident, and the team has now left Newcastle ahead of the grand final in Sydney on Sunday.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was heartbreaking to see fans seeing their team off involved in a terrible accident.

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

“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 also thanked emergency services responding to the tragedy and urged people to drive safely this grand final weekend.

The elation of the Knights’ reaching Sunday’s NRL decider prompted an avalanche of fan support in Newcastle over recent days.

Diehards waited in the rain for the return of the team bus from Sydney last weekend after a 22-14 qualifying win over Penrith.

Thousands also showed up for team training during the week, while other Knights enthusiasts have even gone to the trouble of painting their houses in team colours.

A large crowd had lined Newcastle’s streets on Saturday morning to farewell the players.

News all day, every day at CityNews.com.au.