LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a stunning turn of events, Phil Gould's criticism of the Newcastle Knights has backfired spectacularly as the team secures a spot in the NRL finals.
Despite Gould's mid-season swipe at the Knights, Adam O'Brien's men have defied the odds and booked a fairytale finals berth with their eighth consecutive win.
The Knights' dominant performance against Cronulla, with a resounding 32-6 victory, has guaranteed them a home final at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The team's success is even more remarkable considering their 14th place position after 17 rounds, which led to serious scrutiny of O'Brien's role as head coach.
Gould had been particularly vocal about O'Brien's decision to grant his players a mid-season break after just nine rounds.
This move had drawn widespread backlash, with Gould among the most vocal critics.
The Knights were the only team not involved in Magic Round due to their bye in round 10, prompting O'Brien to allow his players some time off.
A number of players took the opportunity to travel to Bali for a short holiday.
Gould, known for his tough love approach, had expressed his disapproval of the mid-season break, stating that it was important for players to train and play and that they should find another job if they didn't want to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
However, the Knights' incredible turnaround and their qualification for the finals have proven Gould's criticism to be unfounded.
The team's success and resilience have shown that O'Brien's decision to give his players a break was the right move.
With the lowest possible finish in the regular season being sixth place, the Knights will not only compete in the finals but also have the advantage of hosting a home final for the first time since 2006.
This achievement is a testament to the team's determination and hard work, proving that they have the steel and attitude necessary to succeed in the highly competitive NRL.
As the Knights continue their impressive run, it is clear that the backlash against O'Brien and his decision has only fueled the team's motivation to prove their critics wrong.