It was a season most Knights fans would rather forget, but a classic clash against the Penrith Panthers in Round 16 in 2005 was a symbol of hope for an otherwise dull season.
The Knights travelled to Penrith with heavy hearts, having conceded defeat in the first 15 rounds of the competition, and sitting uncontested at the bottom of the ladder.
A full house at Penrith Park gave the Knights a rough welcome as they took to the pitch, led by captain Andrew Johns.
From there it didn't get any easier for the Knights, going down in the first half without putting any points on the board.
The Panthers sent over wing and centre combo Danny Galea and Paul Frenze for early tries, and hooker Luke Priddis took a slice for himself late in the first half.
To this day there is speculation as to what coach Michael Hagan had to say in the away sheds at half time, but the Knights put boot to grass in the second half with an unrivalled determination and left the Panthers in their wake.
The red and blues dominated on the left, with precision balls from Andrew Johns sending over Clint Newton for a double to completely shift the game's momentum early in the second half.
The Panthers retaliated with a spectacular try from Rhys Wesser, however a lacklustre kicking game from Preston Campbell meant Penrith were struggling to hold the lead against an impressive Newcastle display.
The Knights continued to dominate on the left-edge well into the second half, as Anthony Quinn took a rocket of a pass from teammate George Carmont to put the visitors in front, with a kick to come from Johns.
Two tries in quick succession from fullback Milton Thaiday and Brad Tighe in the dying minutes of the second half meant the end of the drought for the Knights, who took their first win of the year away from home with a 28-24 win.
It set them up for a home game streak to finish off the year.
