The Knights' NSW Cup side didn't lose a match in Newcastle last season, let alone concede 40 points on their home patch.
It was a record the team was extremely proud of, so you can understand why they were so disappointed with Sunday's comprehensive 46-10 loss against Mounties.
In fact, forward Korbin Sims admits his side's recent dominance at their four home grounds (Hunter Stadium, Cessnock Sportsground, No.2 Sportsground and Townson Oval) started to affect the teams' mindset against Mounties.
It's why Sims and his teammates are desperate to make amends for their substandard effort with a strong display against North Sydney at St John Oval in Charlestown from 3pm this Saturday.
"It definitely played on our minds through the game and certainly played in the back of mine, especially because we were so strong at home last year," Sims tells Knights TV.
"We got 40-odd points scored on us and last year we didn’t lose a home game.
"Disappointing is the first thing that comes to mind, we just didn’t show up.
"Our defence at times was good and we had a bit of a rev at halftime and we lifted to come out in the second half.
But they just got too much of a roll on and we just couldn’t keep up.
"But hopefully next week we can bounce back."
Coach Rick Stone was equally disappointed with the heavy defeat to Mounties, pinpointing poor defence as the key to the loss.
“They started strong and compared to last week we were a bit loose defensively, so they definitely made us pay and pay throughout the entire 80 minutes.
"It’s something that we are obviously disappointed in and have to improve if we want to be competitive in the competition.
"Because last week we showed some real good resolve and this week we lacked some genuine intent in what we were going in defence.
"They are things that come from time-to-time and week-to-week, but we have to make sure we dust ourselves off and get ready for next week and show a little bit more when we get our chance."
Stone, meanwhile, says winger Josh Mantellato (hamstring) and prop Dave Fa'alogo (foot) will be assessed this week and he is hopeful they'll be both fine to play against the Bears.
"Josh might be a bit of a concern," he admits.
"He has a slight hamstring strain, while Dave agitated a bit of a foot injury that he hurt in the first half.
"But he finished the game strongly and I don’t there are going to be too many dramas for him next week."
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