LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
"But credit to Adam, he kept us focused and motivated.
He never let us doubt ourselves and always had faith in us.
He told us to block out the noise and just focus on the game," Fitzgibbon added.
The players took O'Brien's words to heart and rallied together.
They worked harder in training, analyzed their performances, and made adjustments to their game plan.
They were determined to prove the doubters wrong and save their coach's job.
"We knew we had the talent and the potential to do better.
We just needed to execute on the field," said Knights captain Mitchell Pearce.
"We had some tough conversations and held each other accountable.
We knew we had to step up and deliver."
And step up they did.
The Knights showed incredible resilience and determination, winning game after game.
Their performances improved, and they climbed up the ladder, securing a spot in the finals.
"It was a real team effort.
Everyone played their part and contributed to the success," said Knights prop Daniel Saifiti.
"We had each other's backs and never gave up.
It was a special feeling to see the hard work pay off."
The players' dedication and unity not only saved O'Brien's job but also brought back the excitement and pride to the Newcastle community.
The fans were thrilled to see their team back in the finals and playing at home.
"We couldn't have done it without the support of the fans.
They stuck by us through the tough times, and we're grateful for that," said Fitzgibbon.
"Now, we want to repay their faith by giving the all in the finals."
As the Knights prepare for their first home finals game in 15 years, they are determined to continue their winning streak and make a statement in the NRL.
They know that their success is a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and belief in their coach.
"We've come a long way, but we're not done yet," said Pearce.
"We're hungry for more and ready to take on any challenge that comes the way.
This is just the beginning for us."