After a deflating loss in the final game of the of the season against the Penrith Panthers, Knights TV caught up with Jake Mamo and injured Knight Jeremy Smith in the sheds at Pepper Stadium to reflect on the game and shed light on the players’ plan to rise above in season 2016.
Try scorer Mamo was particularly grateful for the support shown by the red and blue faithful who hit the road to cheer on the Knights in Penrith.
“It was definitely a tough end to the season,” Mamo said.
“They probably caught us by surprise. We didn’t match it with them from the start and they were kind of running through us easily and we never really got it back.
“We just take a rest now and go into the off season to come into pre-season with a new coach.
“We just build for next year.
“It’s always great having the fans there and all of us boys did a lap to thank the fans for coming out.
“I’m pretty sure Kurt (Gidley) is still out there thanking fans.
“Kurt has been great for the fans for more than 15 years and we are all just trying to carry that on and get out there and thank the fans for coming out.”
Injured forward Jeremy Smith travelled to Penrith to watch the side in its final game of the season.
While not out on the field, he felt the disappointment of the defeat and emotion surrounding the departure of the respected skipper.
“It was pretty tough going. To send players out like that, especially for our captain Kurt Gidley, I really felt for him,” Smith said.
“I really wanted to send him out on a high and give him something to cheer about.
“That’s football I guess, the only way is up from here.”
Smith remained positive and confident the side would re-build and better itself when it begins pre-season training for next season.
“I think we just take a good rest and I suppose we look forward to seeing who the coach is,” he added.
Smith also acknowledged the passionate Members and fans at the game on Saturday and those who have stuck by the team throughout the year.
“I walked into the stadium a bit later than what the boys did and the red and blue army was out and about,” he said.
“They had smiles on their faces and it was good to see them make the trek all the way to Penrith.
“Especially Kurt, (it was good to see) what it meant to them for him to play his last game for the Knights.
“I’m proud of the support we did have.”
