This is why Newcastle stands tall today
· Newcastle HeraldHow do you measure heart, passion and want?
It was a question a commentator posed when the Newcastle Knights somehow managed to keep defending their line against yet another Roosters' attacking onslaught in Sunday's grand final.
As much as every movement in professional sport is measured in microscopic detail, the human spirit can't be.
On paper, the Knights, with key players missing, should have lost by about 30 points against their much fancied opponents.
Instead, grit, determination and desire kept them in the game until the final whistle.
After an astonishing finals run and one of the great grand finals of the modern era, the Knights ultimately fell short by one point.
That will be cold comfort for many fans because a grand final is all or nothing. You either win or lose. No second prize.
Commenting moments after the game, an exhausted skipper Kalyn Ponga simply reflected what the entire Knights community was experiencing: "It hurts. It hurts so much," he said.
"I know we did them proud, but the ultimate goal is to win a comp.
"Can't thank them enough for their support. We'll be back."
History books record the champions, but they rarely capture the soul of a campaign.
But sport, often a metaphor for life, is about so much more than statistics and silverware.
It reflects the intangibles of the human and collective spirit.
Nowhere has this been more obvious than in the Hunter - one of the most tribal supporter bases on the planet.
Aside from going from the wooden spoon to the grand final, there is so much positivity to take away from this season and, in particular, recent weeks.
The surge in community spirit across the Hunter, the economic boost to both large and small business, and the positive exposure Newcastle has received on the national media stage, have been unrivalled.
The Knights gave local kids new heroes to emulate, as witnessed at last week's open training session attended by more than 12,000 fans.
It reminded us all of what makes Newcastle unique - an extraordinary, parochial community bond that shines brightest when tested.
To sum it up, the collective pride in a rugby league team that brought the region together like nothing else is what the grand final and the weeks leading up to it will be remembered for.
You can't measure pride, but it's on every street corner across the Hunter today.
To the players, coaching staff, and everyone who poured their hearts into this season: hold your heads high.
You represented our city with honour, toughness, and pride.
Among the many players who had standout seasons was Bradman Best, who has been selected in the 23-man squad to represent the Kangaroos at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Newcastle didn't get the fairytale ending on the scoreboard last night, but in every way that truly matters, the Knights proved exactly who they are - and why this city will always stand behind them, louder and prouder than ever.
When the Knights run onto McDonald Jones Stadium next year, the miners, the tradies, the nurses, and the families who make up the red and blue army will be alongside them to help defend the kingdom once again.