There was a buoyant mood in the Newcastle Knights’ dressing sheds when Knights TV caught up with Chris Houston, Tyrone Roberts, Nathan Ross and Sam Mataora after the team’s Round 23 win against the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
While the Knights trailed the Tigers going into the break, the team came into its own in the second stanza fighting back to take the two points.
“We have been starting well and have always been chasing points. It was good just to hold in there and that’s what we’re all about,” Roberts said after the game.
“We get the results when we stay in the grind.”
It was a try from the halfback in the final two minutes of the game that cemented the Knights' 24-18 win.
“I haven’t really crossed the line much this year so it was good to get across the line again,” he said.
Chris Houston lapped up the positive energy in the dressing sheds after the team’s courageous display and put the result down to his teammates supporting each other.
“It’s good to see everyone smiling in the sheds again. The pleasing thing was it was a tough game and we defended well for each other and that’s what it’s all about,” Houston said.
“We controlled the ball well in the second half."
Sam Mataora was brought into the fold as a late inclusion when Joe Tapine was ruled out and went on to be voted Players’ Player.
The interchange forward followed the advice of interim coach Danny Buderus that converted to an impressive game in attack.
“He said just run direct and concentrate in defence,” Mataora said.
“It’s my first (NRL) win so I’m pretty happy and stoked.”
Meanwhile, Nathan Ross also enjoyed his first NRL win after making his first grade debut in Round 21.
“Third game in and to get a win on the board away from home is unbelievable,” Ross said.
“Every kid that puts the boots on at the age of six wants to do this and I’ve been lucky enough to do it.
Ross acknowledged the Club’s loyal fans, especially those who travelled to support the team at Campbelltown Stadium.
“I want to thank the team, all the supporters and hopefully we can get some momentum from here and can bring it home,” he said.
“Everyone is still with us. They are coming to our away games and they are turning up to our home games.
“They just want to see us trying for them and we want to show them we are putting in the effort not just for them or our town, but for each other as well.”
