South Sydney arrived in Newcastle believing their season could carry them into September, led by Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Cameron Murray and David Fifita.
The Rabbitohs brought strong expectations and a fanatical crowd, appearing the only team outside the top four with a serious finals opportunity.
Newcastle instead produced a victory last Friday night, and every Knights player interviewed afterwards spoke about supporters who had continued backing them.
That response revealed the purpose driving the team: they had found their 'Why.'
When Adam O'Brien was dismissed and asked to hand back his keys, many locals saw another familiar collapse approaching.
They feared another false dawn, another review and another roster forced to repair the damage.
Newcastle's identity is shaped by Allan McMahon's standards, under which the jersey must represent more than employment.
Its recruitment principles are summed up as "Tackle, Tough, and Tomorrows", while supporters primarily seek effort, commitment and resistance.
Justin Holbrook returned as a former Knight who understood the club's struggles and knew there would be no instant remedy.
He needed to unite the squad and restore the "touch one of us, and you get the lot" spirit associated with Newcastle's formative years.
Holbrook presents an innocent "oh golly gosh" persona publicly, but Michael Crawley says a ruthless quality sits behind the smile.
Crawley has coached with the Raiders, Knights and Cowboys, and consulted for the Dragons.