It was an emotional post match press conference for interim coach Danny Buderus and departing veteran Clint Newton following the Newcastle Knights' two-point defeat at Hunter Stadium.
"I have been accused of smiling too much in these press conferences lately but I am still smiling inside, because the belief was there from the first minute to the 80th," Buderus said.
"They nearly stole it, they hung in... the fight was there and the belief was there and that was what I was after."
Despite the loss, it was a solid performance from the men in red and blue.
"We didn't get the result, but like Danny and others have said, it is about the performance," Newton added.
"It would have been fantastic to get the win but I am really proud of the team and I am wrapped for Kurt, he had a cracker tonight."
A number of players were farewelled following Saturday's final home at Hunter Stadium, including Newton.
"I still feel like there will be more tomorrows but there's not... I will probably have a bit of a come down in the next couple of days but we still have a job to do next week," Newton said.
