KNIGHTS fans have vented their fury after Newcastle's capitulation to the Tigers on Saturday night, with a club legend saying they deserve answers over the insipid performance.
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Immortal Andrew Johns savaged the club after the 46-4 loss, taking aim at those with a "weak mind" and writing off the club's minute chances of featuring in the finals as a foregone conclusion.
"Someone has to come out publicly and be accountable for what's happened, because they were on the verge of making the semi-finals. That has been sabotaged. There's no chance now," he said.
"They were on the verge, if they win the next couple of games, they've got a great run in; they've got the Titans and then the last game at Penrith. Really winnable games."
"But what happens now, it gives people with a weak mind an excuse not to turn up; and that's what we saw (on Saturday). It gives the players an excuse to go, 'You know what, this is happening with the coach, I don't have to aim up'."
"Whether it's Troy Pezet, what his role is (in) it, or it's the boss, Phil Gardner, the Newcastle fans deserve answers. Someone has to come out and be accountable for what's happened, the way it was handled, who's decision it was.
"It's been sabotaged. They're no chance now. And you shake (your head)."
Fans were scathing in their own post-match assessments on social media after what had been considered the side's last stand to keep their season alive beyond the final regular-season round.
"There was no pride, passion shown in the jersey," one fan wrote. "There was no heart and they basically just gave up. I'm not angry, but more bitterly disappointed in the lack of effort shown. How can we not get up for a game this important ?"
Many vowed not to attend the remaining matches of the season while others posted destroyed members lanyards.
"Bob Hawke said any boss that sacks someone for not turning up for work on Monday is a bum. I say anyone that turns up at the Knights game next weekend is a bum," another fan wrote.
"Let them play in front of a standard Titans home crowd, that's what they deserve..Nathan Brown, you are not to blame for this."
"Worst performance all season," another wrote. "Only silver lining was the debutante [Bradman Best]'s performance."
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
