'We're not done': Knights out to continue giant-killing run

The Knights will draw on the emotions from Sunday's stunning semi-final victory over the Warriors as they set their sights on an unexpected grand final berth.

Newcastle booked a date with Penrith in next weekend's preliminary final at Accor Stadium with a thrilling 12-10 win over the Warriors in front of a record crowd at Eden Park.

Dom Young put the Knights in front early in the second half and Justin Holbrook's men tackled their way to victory to silence more than 48,000 screaming Wahs fans. 

While Newcastle are hoping thousands of their own supporters will make the trip south from the Hunter to Homebush, they are under no illusions of the challenge facing them on Sunday afternoon. 

"We've got a lot of confidence in our side," Holbrook said. "We've got a lot of self-belief that whoever we're playing, if we play well enough we know we can win. 

"We've got a huge task again [next week]. Each week you go further in, they're just going to get harder. We knew that from last week to this week, it's going to be the same again next week. 

"We're going to play Penrith with a rest next Sunday afternoon but I'm sitting here confident and can't wait for the game."

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There were nervous moments both on and off the field late in Sunday's win over the Warriors, with the Knights desperately holding on to a two-point lead after captain Kalyn Ponga was sent for an HIA. 

A failed test would have placed the fullback in the 11-day standdown protocol and out of next week's preliminary final but Ponga revealed post-game that he passed his HIA and will be free to take his place at Accor Stadium.

Sunday's win has Newcastle just one game away from the grand final, 12 months after they finished last on the ladder. 

Holbrook spent the summer building a relentless defensive foundation before later introducing an attacking structure that helped turn the Knights into one of the most exciting teams in the competition. 

While the points were flowing throughout the regular season, Newcastle's two finals victories have come via their defence. 

Ponga recognises how much has changed since last year but is determined to ensure the Knights still have two more games to play this season.

"It's hard [to reflect on the year] because you're grateful for the win but don't want to sit in that for too long," Ponga said. "You want to get your mind to the next game. 

"That's been our strength this year. When it's all said and done, when you're sitting at home in the off-season, I'll look back and be proud of this season but it's hard right now because we're not done. 

"What I do know is I'm proud of this group for the effort they've put in throughout the year, I don't want to reflect too much just yet."

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