In a pivotal moment for the Newcastle Knights, head coach Justin Holbrook expressed optimism as they prepare for the NRL Week 1 elimination final against South Sydney.
Holbrook has achieved remarkable success in his first season, transforming last year's wooden spooners from 17th to 7th within a year.
Despite this turnaround, he emphasized that his team is striving for more, stating, "We have a big job to do (against South Sydney), they're playing good at the right end of the season so we have to do a job on their key guys - if we do that we're confident we can get the win."
Even with significant injuries to crucial players like Dylan Brown and Dylan Lucas, Holbrook believes injuries are part of the game.
"Every team faces (injuries), obviously you always love to be full strength at this time of year but it doesn't matter that we're not," he commented.
Holbrook highlighted the team's confidence, shifting focus from absent players to those ready to compete.
As they come off a Round 27 bye, he confirmed that hooker Phoenix Crossland and second rower Francis Manuleleua will feature in the starting line-up against the Rabbitohs.
"We're tracking really good and expect to be 1-19," he said, referring to the team's readiness.
Holbrook believes the rest period will benefit Crossland, who won the Danny Buderus Medal this season.
"I think it's great that (Phoenix) got that freshen up, he's had a long hard year for us and played through a lot of pain, he's been uncomfortable in a lot of games," he noted.
The upcoming match is critical; a loss would eliminate the Knights from the finals, while a victory ensures their progression to a Week 2 match against the loser of the Warriors-Dolphins qualifying final.