While the nib Newcastle Knights didn’t get the win in their last game for the season on Sunday, they fought until the end against the reigning premiers.
For forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon, it was an impressive outing with two tries and six recorded tackle breaks in just 55 minutes.
“They are a quality side and I think we stepped up as a group today and put on a pretty good performance,” he told Knights TV in the sheds.
“Win, lose or draw, the aim was to go out, being Old Boys day, and put in a good performance and I think we did that.”
With a double against the Cronulla Sharks, Fitzgibbon ended the season as the second highest try-scorer for the Knights with eight.
“I get lucky off the back of some good footy from the other boys and it is always good to get over the line a couple of times,” smiled Fitzgibbon.
The Knights forward had praise for teammate Tyrone Amey who set him up for one of those tries on debut.
“Tyrone had an outstanding game on his debut,” Fitzgibbon commented.
“I still remember my debut and it was a very tough day in the office for me and he set me up on my first one today so kudos to him.”
Fitzgibbon believes this year there has been immense improvement among the playing group.
“We have grown as a group this year and even though we didn’t have as many wins as we’d like, we sure came close in a lot of games,” he explained.
“You go out there every week trying to get the two points and it is disappointing we fell short a few times but we definitely did better than in the previous years.”
While the season has come to an end for Fitzgibbon, he’ll still be cheering on the Knights lower grades who are preparing for finals footy.
“The 20s and Reserve Grade are both in so it is good for them,” said Fitzgibbon.
“I have played a few reggies games this year so I have been part of that squad and I’ll be riding them home to the grand final.”
