Last-minute TV snub convinced Slater that Knights can do the unthinkable
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Billy Slater has applauded the attitude of the Knights as they prepare for a knockout final in New Zealand to keep their surprise title hopes alive.
Slater, who appears on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, revealed on his podcast that Knights star Phoenix Crossland was a late withdrawal from the program as the Knights wanted him to focus on game preparation.
Harrison Graham and Phoenix Crossland. NRL Imagery
“We were on the Sunday Footy Show and I think Phoenix Crossland was supposed to cross into our show. We got a late call he wasn’t going to be able to do it because they had training, they train between 10am and 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. I love that,” he said on Nine’s The Billy Slater podcast.
“There’s no Sunday roast for the Newcastle Knights, they mean business. They know they’re going over to New Zealand, the Warriors played the night before (on Saturday), their game was locked in, and they were on the training field on the weekend.
“Sunday roast with the family can wait another couple of weeks, they’ve got a job to do. I love that attitude, whatever our best preparation is, let’s go after it. I give them a real chance this weekend.”
The Knights come into the game off the back of an upset 20-10 win over the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.
Veteran Broncos-bound centre Dane Gagai was one of the stars in that match as he wound back the clock and took on former teammate Latrell Mitchell.
Slater was full of praise for the 35-year-old’s vintage display.
“He’s got great energy Dane Gagai, a really good person and that helps because everyone respects him and when he takes the field, he is all in, he’s all in for that jersey he’s playing in and that team he’s playing for, and he’ll do whatever it takes,” he said.
“And if that’s to take on his good mate, and a bloke that’s 15 or 20 kilos heavier than him, more powerful and take him head on because he knew that’s what was needed for his footy team, he was prepared to do that. That was a real moment for the Knights, everyone has this perception they limped into finals and are hanging around, but he’s given them a bit of life and belief, and they’re not going to be stood over.
“They don’t have that alpha front-rower like a James Fisher-Harris, Erin Clark or Moses Leota, but they’ve got great leaders and Dane Gagai is one of those guys.”
The resurgence of the Knights is incredible considering they finished last on the ladder. The arrival of Justin Holbrook as coach and the improvement in form is no coincidence.
“The game has changed immensely, it’s constantly evolving, and it’s changing with every generation. Justin Holbrook, I think he’s moved with that,” Slater said.
Knights coach Justin Holbrook has worked wonders in the Hunter. Getty Images
“Defence is always going to be a big part of the game, but equally attack is as well and how you move the football and where you use the football. I think he’s in front of the game at the moment, Justin Holbrook.”
The Knights will go into the Warriors clash with Origin second-rower Dylan Lucas a chance of returning from injury.
Lucas fractured his ankle in round 21 and had surgery as part of his recovery but could make a miraculous return two months later.
Holbrook appeared on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night and confirmed he’ll name Lucas in the 22-man squad on Tuesday but wasn’t willing to say if he’ll actually play.
“He’ll need all week. The fact it’s a Sunday game, he may be a chance, but he’s got a lot of things he’ll need to get through first,” the coach said.
“He is running, which is excellent ... I won’t know until the end of the week.”
