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The Newcastle Knights, led by coach Justin Holbrook, achieved one of the greatest comebacks in rugby league history, beating Penrith 24-22 with 12 men on the field in the 2023 NRL grand final.
Newcastle's 1997 premiership-winning team stunned their fans and opposition alike with a remarkable 24-22 victory over Penrith in the 2023 NRL grand final. The Knights, led by coach Justin Holbrook, overcame a 12-man disadvantage and a 16-point deficit to snatch a thrilling win in front of 57,000 fans at Accor Stadium.
The match will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest comebacks in rugby league history. Stephen Crowe, a member of the 1997 team, was watching the match at the Wickham Park Hotel in Newcastle with his son. He had given up hope, even leaving the pub mid-match to walk home in the rain.
Knights withstand Penrith onslaught
However, a miraculous turn of events saw the Knights withstanding the onslaught and unleashing an onslaught of their own. Crowe, who is now the Hunter director of the Property Council of Australia, said, 'Just 12 Knights, up against Penrith for the entire second half, with a grand final appearance in the balance? Anyone who knows anything about football knew that just couldn't be done.
' Robbie O'Davis, a fullback and Clive Churchill medal winner in the 1997 team, was also watching the match at the Belmont Hotel. He took a different approach, cheering and cuddling with excitement. O'Davis said, 'I thought with Justin Holbrook's style being to also attack on the edges - but with Kalyn Ponga sweeping it out there to get the ball to the sideline - we could still do the same. And that is what happened.
' Andrew Johns, a legend of the game and a member of the 1997 team, was in the commentary box for Channel Nine. He leapt to his feet as Sandon Smith intercepted a pass for what may have been the winning try for Penrith. Johns said, 'It's just like it was in '97,' referring to the famous 1997 grand final-winning team that came back from 8 points down in the last 10 minutes to win the title.
Darren Albert praises Sandon try
The hero of 1997, Darren Albert, was watching the match at home with his family. He said, 'Sandon's try was every bit as good as my try, and better.
' The victorious hooker-lock from the 1997 and 2001 premiership teams, Bill Peden, said, 'I thought there was no intent in it [the send-off]. But it was clear the game was over.
Tony Butterfield values defence over offence
' Tony Butterfield, the hardest-working forward of the 1997 side, was also watching the match, this time at the Central Coast. He said, 'I've always said that to win a match, defence is more important than flashy offence.
' Justin Holbrook said, 'It's the best win ever. There's no argument from any of us. '
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brisbanetimes:‘Everyone is just stunned’: How the Knights’ class of ’97 reacted to famous victoryThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Penrith Panthers 1997 NRL Premiers Greatest Comeback In NRL History Rugby League Justin Holbrook Sandon Smith Andrew Johns Darren Albert Bill Peden Tony Butterfield
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