It was the upset of the season thus far with the Newcastle Knights falling to North Queensland Cowboys 32-20.
Us fans were waiting for the game with excitement ready to see our team take the field, but sadly the first half says it all.
Down 26-0 with a shocking amount of errors, questionable defence and missed opportunities. The Knights didn’t come to play 100 per cent until the second half.
The second half saw them pushing through and making what could have been their biggest comeback ever, but sadly the game was out of reach and they fell 32-20.
While I am pleased with their second-half effort, their first-half shocker really made it hard for them. It reminded me of Easter Sunday last year when we went down to Gold Coast 38-14. At the break they were down 22-0 and played horribly.
We bombed two tries (one under the post) and gifted them three due to errors (all which were converted). Now let’s say we didn’t bomb those tries or gift them, we would have won 24-20 but sadly, it doesn’t work that way.
What happened the next week? We faced Parramatta who were coming off a big win at their debut BankWest Stadium encounter 51-6 over Wests. With so many writing us off, we won 28-14. We won six in a row and I think that loss to Gold Coast really taught them a lesson.
The second half of last year saw our team become lazy and the history books tell us all how well that went.
Am I saying the same could happen next week? No, I can’t predict the future but this lose if anything it should light a fire in them and if it does, it could lead to massive positive change.
As a fan, I believe we have a top-four side on paper but what’s on paper and on the field are two different things. We have a coach who believes in us as a top-four side and crazy fans who are passionate about our team.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
This week wasn’t our week but next week is anyone’s game. Changing the topic here, think like if you’re aiming to win a drag race. You won’t win the race only in first gear, you’ll need to floor it and be more of a turbo lover than Rob Halford.
Next week, Newcastle will be taking on Manly. A tough test for our team but a doable one. Manly may not have Tommy Turbo, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be easy beats. Des Hasler has really turned them around and will make them a competitive team.
As fans, we cheer for our Knights whether we win, lose or draw. We celebrate our wins and we accept our loses. For the players, you don’t play for a paycheque, you play for your team, your club, your town and most importantly, your fans. We’re all in this together.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
As son as the talk turns to the top 8 being basically all sorted out as it has recently , you can be sure that a dose of reality is about to be dealt out. Manly polished off by the Sharks as well. I think being written off really suits most clubs because it releases the pressure valve and they often start to play some good footy.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
One thing stood out to me yesterday. Newcastle score with 5 to go to make it a 12 point game. In their next set of 6, their game breaker, their million dollar man did not touch the ball the entire set. The next set, still chasing the game, the only time he passed he touched the ball was when he passed it from dummy half. He was next seen when tackled early at the end of that set. With the money he is on, with what is expected of him, he should have touched the ball at least 3 times in each set, attacking the line, not passing from dummy half. Even if he failed, then it would be a learning experience for him.
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
The Kinghts were off in the first half but don't undersell the Cowboys performance either. Their defence in the first half was rock solid, they got big contributions from Taumalolo (nothing new) and McGuire in the middle, and Clifford had a really solid performance directing the team in attack. The kicking into touch also helped quell Ponga's influence. I think the Cowboys displayed that they're much better than what was on show in the first half last week.
The King of the World
Roar Guru
Perfectly said sir. Last year when Newcastle thrashed Sydney, it was the wake up call Easts needed and the history books says it all.
Paul
Roar Guru
Good to see you being realistic about the teams chances, Adrian. When this side plays at it's best, I think they're a top four contender for sure and perhaps the loss to the Cowboys might be the wake up call your team needed.
The King of the World
Roar Guru
Allow me to explain the turbo lover comment. It’s not because of how much is love Judas Priest, it’s because the Knights waited far too long to get out of first gear and just like their match against Melbourne, they lost.