Brendan Elliot didn’t think he’d make the distance when he sprinted 90 metres down field to score a try for the nib Newcastle Knights against the Cronulla Sharks on the weekend.
Elliot’s try, the Knights’ second for the match, sparked a late comeback against the Sharks, only to be denied the win after a James Maloney field goal in the final two minutes.
“I was pretty lucky to make the distance because I was cramping in both legs but definitely happy to get the try,” explained Elliot.
“I think all the boys lifted from that try, we were a bit bogged down in our end and I was lucky enough to get that run away.
“Then we got a try on the next set and it really boosted our confidence again.”
The Knights fullback said they weren’t expecting anything less than a tough encounter and despite the loss, maintains the side put on a good showing.
“I thought we stuck it to them definitely in the first half,” Elliot said.
“About five or six consecutive sets on our try line we were able to kept them out so that was a real confidence booster for our defence.
“It was just unlucky at the end; they beat us by one point which was devastating.
“They are the premiers, they’re the benchmark and I thought we played really well but there is definitely improvement needed.
“We will take some confidence into the game with the Bulldogs and try and improve.”
The Knights take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Friday night, back on home turf at McDonald Jones Stadium. Gates open at 3.30pm, with NYC kicking off at 3.45pm before NRL at 6pm.
