Inside the NYC Sheds
15/08/2011 1:19:36 PM
The NYC Knights were defeated by the first-placed Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Knights were down to 15 men from just before half time; injuries sustained by Matt Ireland and Korbin Sims meant they played no further part in the game.
Coach Garth Brennan gave his thoughts on the game and also looks ahead to next weeks important game at Ausgrid Stadium...
Question: It was a tough assignment to come over here and play the team leading the competition. What did you make of the game?
Garth Brennan: They are a quality football side and we just didnt stay in the battle for long enough. We were in there for patches but against a side like that you need to be in it for the whole 80 minutes.
Q: Would you agree the Knights started well?
GB: We came with the right idea and played how we wanted to in the early part of the game. Once we were put under pressure we started to get away from what we planned to do.
Q: With two of your players out before half time, it certainly didnt make things any easier?
GB: We lost Matt at about the 15-minute mark and then Korbin just before half time with a broken jaw. Korbin has been one of our best players the last month, so it was certainly a big loss.
Q: Any other injury concerns?
GB: Josh Ailaomai had a bit of a sore ankle but the rest are okay.
Q: What positives can you take out of the game?
GB: I think we showed some real character. After losing Korbin and Matt the boys showed some courage to defend like we did against a side that is going to be hard to beat.
Q: In context of the season how important is next weeks game against Brisbane?
GB: It is grand final for us now. Brisbane jumped over us on the ladder after this result. Brisbane are a quality side, they have three or four players in their side in the top 25. It is going to be a challenge no doubt about it, but there are no tomorrows after next week if we dont get the two-points.