The nib Newcastle Knights have gone down in a heartbreaking Elimination Final loss to the Parramatta Eels in Rockhampton.
The 28-20 result ends the Knights 2021 campaign leaving Newcastle Head Coach, Adam O'Brien, disappointed but proud of his side's effort.
The Coach fronted the media after the match and talked about the key moments of the game, that controversial last try and where to next for the red and blue.
ON THE GAME
"Really disappointed, I've got a shattered dressing room," O'Brien said.
"They fought so hard, I'm really proud of them.
"Field position cost us in the end, we were just camped down our own end.
"We would like to have the five minutes before half-time back again.
"We just switched off mentally and it cost us a couple of tries."
THAT LAST TRY
"The two tries before half-time hurt me more than that one," O'Brien said.
"We control that stuff and that is where we got to get better.
"If we take care of those things, then the try at the end there isn't important.
"Collectively, they were really brave."
WHERE TO NEXT
"The ones without families get to reunite," O'Brien said.
"It's been a big effort the last 10 weeks, there is plenty of courage and ticker in this group.
"We were 14th not that long ago and then we reset the ladder and improved in a lot of areas.
"I think we're in a good place to build, it takes time to build success and we're on the right track.
"We just can't take our focus off it.
"We'll come back bigger and stronger.
"We'll enjoy the summer, but we'll come back ready to work hard."
