nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach, Adam O'Brien, fronted the media following the side's final round 35-22 loss to the Brisbane Broncos.
It was largely a new-look side as the team prepares for a huge semi-final showdown with Parramatta next weekend.
The Coach addressed the loss, provided an update on David Klemmer, explained KP and Mitchell Pearce's minutes and looked ahead to finals week.
ON THE PERFORMANCE
"There was parts of the game I was disappointed with, and there was parts of the game I was really proud (with)," O'Brien said.
"There was some young men who haven't played footy for so long and they were just busting to get out there.
"I rested seven, but really I rested nine and we were still fighting at the end there.
"I'm proud of them for that part."
KLEMMER UPDATE
"Yeah I just spoke to him, it was a rib cartilage," O'Brien said.
"I think he will get up for the (next) game.
"It's still early days.
"They can needle them and strap it up, he's a tough cookie and we'll look at him tomorrow and see where he's at."
PEARCE AND PONGA'S MINUTES
"They both wanted to play some footy," O'Brien said.
"They've been out and have missed a fair chunk of footy, and we know that it's going to go up a level next week.
"They just wanted to get some minutes so we stuck to the plan, regardless of the scoreboard.
"I think there was some good pieces of play in the first half, where we moved the ball well but we didn't ice it at the end of it."
FINALS FOOTBALL
"I think we fly into the finals," O'Brien said.
"We got nine or 10 good footballers getting ready to come back and play.
"They will be proud of our young guys (for today).
"I'll be backing Daniel Saifiti to play.
"We'll be focused on us right now and our best footy is still waiting to happen.
"We haven't peaked and fingers crossed that happens this week."
