Newcastle Knights, in front of their home faithful, ran out with an aim to win back-to-back games against a red-hot Brisbane Broncos.
After a firing start to lead 6-0 after nine minutes, Newcastle looked set to possibly run away with the match. However, a few bombed tries to Brisbane’s own saw a halftime score line of 6-6. Dane Gagai was denied a try but what I don’t understand is if Jamayne Isaako scored a try last week in the exact same way, then so did Gagai.
Brisbane scored the first try of the second half and kicked a penalty goal to lead 14-6 after 56 minutes. Kalyn Ponga’s brilliant try brought Newcastle back into the game with 18 to go 14-12. However, Newcastle in the final 15 gave away 22 unanswered points for Brisbane to win 36-12.
Two tries Brisbane got were just embarrassing. Phoenix Crossland could have easily picked the ball up or pushed it out but Corey Oates stole it to score and Anthony Milford throwing an intercept to finish the game.
One try that boggles my mind is Selwyn Cobbo after the clear obstruction. After that try, Newcastle gave up and let Brisbane run riot. I’m not blaming the ref, or the Bunker. We blew the chances we had, we lost the game and we quit. That’s not a team with a winning attitude.
Here’s an example of a winning attitude. You’re a professional boxer in a 12-round championship fight and the challenger. The champion after eight rounds has knocked you down four times and you got back up. You have only knocked him down once. You then go into Round 9, clearly you’re letting the championship slip away.
Halfway through Round 9, you take charge and bring momentum, you nail the champion and you floor him a second time. The champion is unable to recover and you have won the title. You did so because you never gave up. That is a winning attitude. The three TKO rule is only for regional not professional.
Kalyn Ponga for most of the game showed leadership. However, as a leader the true goal is to teach others to be a leader, not a follower.
As harsh as this is to say, I think Newcastle will not be able to recover from this and make the finals. I want to be wrong and it breaks me heart to say that but now we need to focus on not just getting better, but building a winning attitude in our team.
Steve
Guest
The knights have been absolutely awful all season so far bar the first few games. No way was i tipping them this week after they struggled to beat the Dogs. Even without Reyno they were never a chance imo. If it wasn't for the Dogs taking up all the airtime Adam O'brien would probably be on the way out the door. If they don't improve by years end they need to cut their losses and move him on
Adam
Roar Guru
Probably gets an email from someone on a daily basis that provides generic words to use on any forum they can find
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
mushi
Roar Guru
Why not? Might be cathartic to see a decent football team play
mushi
Roar Guru
You know your team isnt great when being up 6-0 is a firing start with potential to run away with the match
souvalis
Roar Rookie
You could cut some slack for AOB over the last month blaming injuries, but last night, other than Brailey and Mann, it was pretty close to his best team.. but that matters little if the heart’s not in it. Very disappointing considering the vulnerability of their opponents at the time. The club can’t continue to carry Clune and Crossland in the line. Never thought I’d say this but they miss Kurt Mann and need to bring back Jake C., even Tex in the 7.
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Tony we are helping dust out the trophy cabinet for the addition of another timber utensil.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Please don't mention last spot when talking about the knights.
The King of the World
Roar Guru
Hence why I put in the winning attitude example.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Knights looked good, got over the line a few times. But that, coupled with Reynolds out, made them complacent and they paid the price
Tony
Roar Guru
If I was a Newcastle fan, I certainly wouldn't be booking any accommodation in Sydney for the grand final weekend
Tony
Roar Guru
Lucky you were able to copy and paste big words like "rewarding mediocrity" into your post, eh?
Black Swan
Guest
Rewarding mediocrity has become part of modern culture in Australia.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
The knights looked really potent in the opening. Ponga looked dangerous and Milford added a lot to them. Unfortunately as soon as the Broncos got some possession and points the heads dropped and it was all over. I don’t think it’s talent they lack, it’s mental strength and direction.. a good coach might just be the answer
andrew
Roar Rookie
If Newcastle make the 8 it'll be like the Titans making the 8 last year, on the back of more losses than wins. Just rewarding mediocrity at best.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
You need a new coach. They have a reasonable roster but have not shown any improvement. I like the Knights but OBrian is not the man to take them anywhere imo.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Yes, storm penrith parra cronulla easts are locks, plus broncos and cowboys. I don't see Newcastle taking the last spot.
matth
Roar Guru
Unfortunately your defense is dreadful. There is plenty of attacking potential and your go forward is not terrible, but the defense was very thin. Kick chase is attitude and that was bad as well. Brisbane wingers shredded the kick chase to pieces.