LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 extra-time win over Manly, Knights winger James Schiller experienced a rollercoaster of performance that he will reflect upon.
Initially struggling, Schiller's journey from a difficult first half to a pivotal role in the match encapsulated both "the ugly, the bad and, ultimately, the good."
Intended to support the return of winger Greg Marzhew, Schiller's start at left centre resulted in missed tackles and dropped passes, alongside a high tackle penalty on Manly's Clayton Faulalo.
Recognizing his struggles, Knights coach Adam O'Brien shifted Schiller back to his right wing position in the second half.
Despite encountering another error-a loose carry and a forward pass-Schiller made substantial contributions, scoring his own try and assisting in another.
His standout moment came when he executed a daring dive and somersault to score in the corner, leveling the match at 16-16.
Schiller solidified his redemption by delivering the crucial pass to Fletcher Sharpe, which led to a try that brought the score to 22-22, sending the game into extra time.
Ultimately, Schiller's resilience highlights the mental fortitude that characterizes his playing style, turning early setbacks into a memorable victory for Newcastle.