Bluetongue said last month that it would not seek to extend their five-year association with the Knights, who were keen to return to Tooheys, because Bluetongue was an unpopular drop with most of the game-day beer drinkers at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Tooheys were the Knights' foundation beer sponsors when the club joined the premiership in 1988 and that partnership continued until Carlton controversially replaced them in 2000, a decision that was not swallowed easily by bitter Tooheys drinkers.

After six years with Carlton, the Knights signed a five-year contract with the John Singleton-owned Bluetongue in January 2006 for a reported total of $4 million.

It is understood they pocketed more than $600,000 from Bluetongue this year but neither the Knights nor Tooheys would put a financial figure on the new deal announced yesterday.

"We're looking forward to putting the 'New' back in Newcastle with the recommencement of our partnership with the Newcastle Knights next year," Tooheys regional sales manager Jamie Smith said in a media statement yesterday.

"We will be working alongside the Knights to enhance the game-day experience for fans and build on the success of our partnership into the future."

Knights chief executive Steve Burraston was excited about the club's new drinking partner.

"Tooheys New has a proud history of supporting sport in Newcastle and the Hunter Region and we are excited to welcome them back on board with the Knights in 2011," Burraston said.

"Our research indicates people look for their creature comforts when deciding to attend sporting fixtures and with Tooheys New being Newcastle and the Hunter's favourite beer, we know this announcement will please a lot of people."

During the Knights' pre-season drugs crisis, when there was speculation some sponsors would end their association with the club, Bluetongue was one of the most outspoken but stuck solid until the end of the season.

The Knights are expected to formally announce within the next few weeks that X-Blades has replaced KooGa as their jerseys and apparel suppliers for next season.