Joey’s classic reaction caught on camera as Knights fairytale continues
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Few people ride the highs and lows of the Knights quite like Andrew Johns and his passion for the club was on full display during Sunday’s semi final.
Johns was on commentary duty for Nine for the dramatic 12-10 win over the Warriors, booking their ticket to an NRL preliminary final.
Andrew Johns reacts during the Knights’ semi final win. Nine
The champion halfback was seen riding the wave of emotions at Eden Park, as the injury-ravaged Knights caused a major boilover against the Warriors that included plenty of nervous moments and some late controversy.
The victory marks the first time Newcastle have made a grand final qualifier since 2013, which ended in a loss to the Sydney Roosters.
The last time the Knights won a preliminary final was when Johns was at the helm, leading the club to the 2001 premiership.
While they will go in as huge underdogs against the Panthers, there’s a sense of belief building around Newcastle under coach Justin Holbrook.
This season, the Knights have risen from the wooden spoon to a top-eight finish, before knocking off their more fancied rivals in the first two weeks of the finals.
Their fairytale turnaround hasn’t come without adversity either, with $13 million marquee man Dylan Brown going down with an ACL injury.
On top of that, Newcastle lost Jacob Saifiti through suspension and fellow front-rower Trey Mooney to injury leading into the playoffs.
But despite the absences of those key men, Newcastle have not only defied the odds, but defied the critics and pundits as well.
Speaking post-game on Sunday, captain and fullback Kalyn Ponga took a swipe at the Knights’ detractors, including league greats Kevin Walters and Braith Anasta, who were the ones conducting the interview for Fox League.
“I’m just proud, I feel like crying,” Ponga said.
“Everyone, probably you two as well, counted us out five or six weeks ago.
“We’re just representing our town with so much pride, it’s just an awesome feeling. It means a lot, we speak about it a lot, we’ve bought into what this town is about.”
Newcastle will meet minor premiers Penrith on Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium, with a bumper crowd expected.
The other prelim final will see the Dolphins host the Roosters on Friday night.
