The Hunter Ports Newcastle Knights and the NRL paid a visit to Westfield Kotara this week to surprise Christmas shoppers with their Secret Santa activity.

Unsuspecting shoppers at Woolworths, Coles, Toys R Us, Target, K-Mart, Cotton On Kids, Kids Central and JB Hi-Fi were treated to an early Christmas present when Knights players James McManus and Kevin Naiqama popped up randomly and offered to pay their Christmas shopping bills.

“Christmas is a time for giving and together with the NRL we are glad to be able to help out and spread some Christmas cheer” said Ben Rogers, Community & Charity Support Manager with the Newcastle Knights.

“To see the reaction from everyone was something very special, its amazing the difference something like this can make to a family’s Christmas” added James McManus.

It was a great morning and we would like to thank Westfield Kotara, the NRL and all the gracious shoppers who were well and truly surprised by the Knights Secret Santas.

Watch the shopper's reactions here as they are told their shopping bill is on us