If seasons are defined by moments, the Knights may well have had theirs in the 30th minute last night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Up 12-6 after a whirlwind start but showing signs of falling apart defensively for the third straight week as the Tigers gained control of the ruck, Tim Glasby surged over the try-line, leaving Benji Marshall in his wake for a vital four pointer.
Or so we all thought.
What should have been an 18-6 lead with Glasby going over in a handy position turned into a no-try and a 20 metre restart for the Tigers with replays showed him losing the ball in the tackle of David Nofoaluma.
It was the pivotal moment of a match which, in the wash-up, could cost the Knights their season. If it does, they have only themselves to blame.
They looked like they had been shot out of a cannon early. Coach Nathan Brown wanted a response from their dismal capitulation against the Roosters and for the opening 20 minutes he got one.
Defensive intent created the opening try for Jesse Ramien after just three minutes and when Kalyn Ponga left five players clutching at thin air with a dazzling piece of footwork wizardry just three minutes later for a 12-0 lead, it was like someone had flicked the Knights' switch again.
They looked every bit the side that won six in a row earlier in the season. But just like against the Bulldogs a fortnight ago, it didn't last. It was as if it had all come too easy.Instead of maintaining the pressure and looking for the kill, the Knights defence sat back as if it was admiring it's own work. With their season on the line, the Tigers didn't need an invitation.
They started to dominate the ruck with Robbie Farah marshalling his runners and by the time Benji Marshall showed whatever Ponga can do, he can do as well, turning back the clock to leave Herman Ese'ese and James Gavet in his wake with some great footwork close to the Knights line, the Tigers found themselves in front 18-12 right on the stroke of halftime.
Coach Brown absolutely tore strips off his players at the break for their lack of want with so much at stake and it appeared to hit the right note when Hymel Hunt crossed out wide after Connor Watson exploited the short side just two minutes after the resumption.
Ponga missed the sideline conversion but the two point gap was as close as the Knights would get in the second half. Farah's try from dummy half 53 minutes in and a Paul Momirovski try in the 64th minute was enough to keep the home side at bay.
Brown indicated after the game heads would roll following the loss and he will need to shore up his right edge which has been extremely vulnerable over the past few weeks.
After being one of the best defensive sides in the competition mid-season, they have failed dismally in that department in recent weeks. In the past two matches, they have conceded 13 tries, which underlines the dramatic shift in attitude, desire and willingness to work for one another.
