Weeks of hard work have begun to shine through for the NYC Knights who notched a one point win against the Canberra Raiders in a dramatic match at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
A beaming NYC coach Troy Pezet was thrilled with the young Knights' show of determination that saw them the eventual winners in a see-sawing Round 13 contest.
“They were wonderful today and started really well,” Pezet said.
“They lost their way a little bit there in the middle, but they worked hard.
“I just said to them, ‘you got what you deserved because you’ve worked really hard and you didn’t give up'.
“They had a few things go against them, but they fought their way back in and they got the point there right to the death there on full time."
While the Knights unearthered a gutsy team effort, a number of individuals also made their mark on the game.
“Daniel Saifiti who played 65 minutes in the front row, put pressure on their guy who was trying to kick a field goal and he missed,” Pezet said.
“They are he big plays that make a big difference."
17-year-old Brock Lamb was another who brought an energetic performance.
“I’m proud of Brock…he’s really enjoying his footy and is working hard,” Pezet said.
The NYC Knights have established a positive standing as the side heads into a Round 14 bye.
“They have a really hard two weeks against two opposition in the opposition of the Warriors and the Raiders and had two good wins, after a disappointing month, so they are all happy and that’s the best thing about these group of kids,” he said.
Lamb reflected on the courageous win against a physical Raiders’ line-up.
“They had a lot of power in their forwards and came towards the edges...and got us a couple of times when we had short numbers,” Lamb said.
“There were a few opportunities we let slip and then there were a few when we stopped them when there were pretty much certain tries.
“But I think we re-grouped when it was against us and we turned it around every time and really focused on shutting the ball down on the edges.
“I’m proud of the boys, the last couple of weeks we have been working so hard and it’s starting to show off.
“It was a tight game from the start to the end really.
“We worked really hard and I think we deserved the win today.”
The young Knights return in Round 15 to host the Cronulla Sharks at Hunter Stadium.
