After a highly successful year for the NSW Cup Knights, Nathan Ross caught up with his coach Rick Stone and teammate Timana Tahu to reflect on the season.
Despite being overcome by a strong Penrith Panthers in the grand final on Sunday, the Knights were pleased to record strong results in the second half of the season to advance to the finals series and earn a spot in the competition decider.
For Timana Tahu, who played his last game with the Knights on Sunday, what he'll value most about his time in NSW Cup is the strong bonds and friendships within the team.
Tahu said the environment of the NSW Cup team this year reminds him of when he played with the Knights early in his career.
"The guys are close and there is unity, everyone can have a laugh and there's no one bigger than another person," he told Knights TV in the sheds after the game.
"Everything seemed to be a cruisy...and everyone has respect for each other and each other's opinions.
"That's what I've loved about this team and that's what I will miss because I've haven't felt this way in a long time."
Tahu revealed he'll next take the footy field for the Koori Knockout playing for the Yowies next weekend before enjoying a break from football.
"I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, it's been a busy year and I've been trying to set up my future," he said.
"During the year it was more about football, but now that football has finished I can focus on my next plan now."
Meanwhile, Ross quizzed coach Rick Stone about the unique personalities among the group and what he's most enjoyed about leading the side.
Stone said the way the Knights redeemed the season and battled their way to be one of the top teams of the competition inspired him.
"I think just after losing seven in a row and fighting our way back to be contenders for this year has been the most memorable and proud moment," he said.
"There's a lot of different walks of life here and different boys from different avenues of footy, but they've all bonded to become really close.
"It's enjoyable to be with a team that's that tight and want to play for each other."
