nib Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown and co-captain Jamie Buhrer spoke to the media following Sunday's two-point loss at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Knights had a ten-point lead with five minutes to play, but the Bulldogs scored two late tries to claim victory.
"As hard as it is to take, it’s just part of the journey these kids are on,’’ the coach said.
“I can see the makings of a really good side as they keep developing and we add good, experienced players to the roster.
“It’s just we found a different way to lose today.
"I get as sad and disappointed as anyone, but that’s just where we are unfortunately.”
Both coach and captain were quick to support young half Brock Lamb, who had a kick smothered with two minutes to play that led to the match winning try.
"That will be the part of the game where a lot of people will highlight in the loss," Brown added.
"But we had Mitch Barnett with a silly penalty in the first half that cost us two points, and when we were in control with eight minutes to go we had Danny Levi that stood in front of the referee.
"I can give five or six key moments where younger inexperienced guys came up with plays that a good and experienced player wouldn't come up with.
"Brock is a young kid but it was probably more the type of kick he was trying to do that was probably the wrong thing. He'll learn from that.
"They're all kids that you're hopeful from these experiences they learn that every part of the game is important."
Buhrer said, “He’ll get around it. As Browny said, he’s only played 12 or 15 games. He’s learning. He does plenty of good as well. It’s just part of his journey.”
Brown also clarified why Lamb took the penalty goal kick after full time, ahead of Trent Hodkinson.
"My message was if Hokko thinks he's got the distance then take it," he said.
"Brock actually strikes the ball really well and obviously what happened before that probably played a part in how he struck it."
Meanwhile, a hand injury to Sione Mata'utia that forced him from the field with just over ten minutes to play, will require a scan on Monday.
