It was a stellar effort in defence that led the Newcastle Knights to a proud 20-6 win over the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Monday night.
‘‘It was just fantastic the way they defended tonight,’’ interim coach Danny Buderus said in the post match press conference.
‘‘The combinations they’re getting, the trust, being honest with each other in how they defend.
‘‘We’re a side that’s been battling all year, we’ve been fronting up and it’s been tough at times, but it looks like we’re going to have a bit of fun at the back end of the year."
The win was particularly satifsying given captain Kurt Gidley departs the Club at season's end.
“I just said to Kurt in there, I’m really happy for him as well, because he gets to have a memory – a real lasting memory – because that’s one of the great wins of his career," Buderus said.
Gidley, who will play his 250th game for the Club when the Knights host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday, agreed it was a memorable Club victory.
"Walking off at the end there - I know it's probably special because I know I've only got two games left - but looking back, it is one of the greatest, most satisfying wins of my career," Gidley said.
"After a really tough season, it's one that I'll never forget, that's for sure."
Importantly, the win moved the Knights off the bottom of the ladder.
‘‘I guess personally and individually, the boys would be thinking about the wooden spoon, but as far as a team and collective talking and driving them mad about it, I’m not doing that,” Buderus said.
‘‘I’m more concerned about having moments like that out there, and if we keep playing like that, then hopefully the wooden spoon will go away.’’
The coach praised the performance of Tyrone Roberts, who was named Fox Sports’ Man of the Match.
‘‘I thought Tyrone Roberts handled the match really, really well,’’ Buderus said.
‘‘Gold Coast are obviously pretty excited because they’re getting a player who, if he does that every night and every week, that’s what Tyrone can do, so I was really happy for him as well.’’
The Knights return home on Tuesday to commence preparations to host the Bulldogs this Saturday at Hunter Stadium. The match is the final home game of the season and being Old Boys Day, is set to be a memorable occasion and one not to miss.
