Coach Rick Stone is thrilled with the Knights' progression to the NSW Cup grand final after his side overpowered a number of tough opponents to record it's ninth straight win.
The team advances to the grand final, to be played against the Penrith Panthers this Sunday at Allianz Stadium, after a strong 34-10 win over the Illawarra Cutters at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
“I’m pretty satisfied, obviously the first half was pretty good,” Stone told Knights TV after the game.
“It got a little bit untidy in the second half at times but you have to win preliminary semi finals to get into the grand final and we did that."
Stone puts the side’s success down to the strong bonds fostered within the team.
“I think we’re pretty tight and I don’t think there are too many egos in the room, which is good, and everyone gets on well,” he said.
“We can take the mickey out of each other, but still enjoy each others company and have some hard work mixed in as well."
The last premiership winning side Stone coached was in 2004 with the Burleigh Bears beating the East Tigers in the Queensland Cup, so he will no doubt be looking to add the NSW Cup title to his coaching achievements.
It will also be a fitting end to Stone's time at the helm of NSW Cup before returning to head coach of the NRL.
“I think it’s definitely helped the opportunity for me to become head coach,” he said about his time with the reserve grade team.
“I think it’s inspired a few boys to play in the reggies and has given them an opportunity to showcase their wares to the head coach for next year.
“I’m looking forward to next week, grand final week is always good fun.
“We’ve worked pretty hard over a number of years to get here so it’s a good reward for a fair few of the lads.”
The Knights play the Panther at Allianz Stadium this Sunday. CLICK HERE for more game detail.
