Newcastle have credited a mid-season honesty session for propelling them to a second consecutive NRLW grand final.
After surging to grand final glory in 2022, the Knights were forced to contend with significant roster turnover in the off-season, losing Millie Boyle, Romy Teitzel, Kirra Dibb, Emma Manzelmann and more to rivals.
The changes were tipped to rattle the reigning premiers, who fell to NRLW newcomers North Queensland 31-20 in the second match of their title defence.
The Cowboys stormed home to stun the Knights that day, running in three tries in the final 10 minutes and leaving the Knights to some serious soul-searching.
"We had a big honesty session," said captain Hannah Southwell.
"We weren’t really playing like we wanted so we kind of sat everyone down and asked if everyone was buying into what we’re doing here.
"All the girls said ‘yes’, so I think from that day forward we’ve carried that with us."
Coach Ron Griffiths conceded the reigning premiers had been complacent early in the season.
"We spoke after the Cowboys game and we didn’t think we got it right," he said.
"We probably didn’t turn up with the right intent, even from a coach’s perspective.
"We didn’t go through the normal protocols that we would if we were playing an away game so we didn’t think we got that right."
The Knights have won eight consecutive games since their heart-to-heart, including last week's grand final qualifier against Brisbane.
Now, all that stands between the Knights and back-to-back premierships is a 70-minute meeting with Gold Coast on Sunday. Griffiths credited the players for leading the turnaround in attitude.
"When I first started coaching with the club, one thing we spoke to the playing group about was that we’d help them put some parameters in place," he said.
"But they needed to drive everything that we’re about. I think that’s why they’re so invested in the process that we do."
The Titans are out to upset the Knights in their first grand final appearance in either the men's or women's competition.
But Griffiths said his side had become used to having a target on their backs.
"I reckon if you win a competition, everyone's coming to get you the year after," Griffiths said.
"You're obviously the team that's finished first and everyone wants to beat you, it doesn't matter where it is, they always present the best version of themselves.
"So for this team to go through and win the minor premiership just shows what sort of resolve and grit they actually have."
