The nib Newcastle Knights held on for a gutsy 18-10 victory over arch rivals, Manly, on Sunday afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium.
A late Daniel Saifiti try secured a huge two points for the side in a war of attrition in the Indigenous Round clash.
Head Coach Adam O'Brien reacted to the hard-fought victory and stated the win was much-needed.
"Players, staff, supporters, members and town (needed that). It's a big win for us," O'Brien said.
"Early in the game we were little impatient with good ball, we were none from our first four sets early on, but I thought we had some individuals, and some young men, who really stood up.
"They're inexperienced in terms of the amount of games, but they showed a lot of character.
"I thought we played a very disciplined game of footy.
"In seven days, we need to find it again against Parramatta."
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The coach had lots of praise for his young spine, especially in the way they adapted to the contest in the midst of injuries and taking on an in-form Manly team.
Tex Hoy, Phoenix Crossland and Connor Watson played pivotal roles in the key positions and had a big say in the result.
"I thought the way Tex brought the ball back at the start of the game was with a whole heap of intent," O'Brien said.
"Young Phoenix kicked so well for us and was the vocal voice, (plus) we didn't heap pressure on ourselves.
"And Connor, to get thrown in basically this morning to play six and didn't train with that spine all week.
"I felt we just needed to win, it didn't matter if it was two-nil, we just needed to find a way to get a win and get that feel-good back in the place."
Highlights: Knights roll Manly to move level with 8th spot
The Head Coach also reacted to the late injury to Tyson Frizell.
"He's with the physios (now), four minutes to go was pretty heartbreaking (time) to see him roll that ankle," O'Brien said.
"He has had ankles in the past that he has recovered pretty quickly from."
The Newcastle Knights latest signing, Jake Clifford, touched down in town today and watched his new team win against Manly.
The former North Queensland Cowboy arrived in Newcastle after his final outing for the Cowboys on Saturday.
The coach confirmed Clifford will be up for selection in next weekend's clash with Parramatta.
"He'll be a chance for sure," O'Brien said.
Daniel Saifiti locks in the win for Newcastle
"He's in there with his new teammates now and arrived today.
"It was a remarkable job what he went through, it would have been emotional for him, I thought he played really well for the Cowboys and departed on the right note.
"We've got a couple of sessions this week so we'll see how we go from there.
"We're only two points out of the eight, and we've got a heap of experience on the way, they are coming to help.
"He's a good addition to us."
