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Newcastle caretaker coach Kristian Woolf has admitted the emotional toll wrought by Nathan Brown's exit contributed to their heavy NRL loss to the Wests Tigers.
Newcastle interim coach Kristian Woolf has detailed the emotional toll Nathan Brown's exit wrought on the NRL club, which culminated in last week's flogging by the Wests Tigers.
After being battered from pillar to post by former Knights greats throughout the week, the playing group will be out to restore pride in front of some of the club's favourite sons against the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Woolf described old boys' day at McDonald Jones Stadium as the most important on the club's calendar and said the significance of the occasion had been discussed by the squad.
While the Knights require a minor miracle to make the top eight, following their 42-point defeat to the Tigers, they still have plenty left to play for.
The loss prompted Brown to bring his departure forward from the end of the season and left Woolf to hold the reins for the final two rounds of the regular season.
Newcastle's preparations have been overshadowed by club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns' scathing criticism of the playing group and management.
Star Kalyn Ponga was also forced to apologise for his nonchalant response to news of Brown's abrupt departure at a media session.
Woolf acknowledged the coaching saga wasn't ideal but the squad had regrouped.
"When things are going on in footy clubs, it tends to make them very drained," he said.
"I think what you saw was a performance where blokes were emotionally drained.
"That's not the case this week, we've all been able to get past that."
Woolf said the criticism hadn't escaped his players and they had a point to prove in front of some of their famous predecessors.
"This is the biggest day on the calendar for the club, that's certainly not lost on the players and it carries great significance," he said.
"Our blokes are very proud of the history of the club and they want to be a part of that history, they want to make sure that tough culture that's been built here is carried on."
There had been talk of Knights fans boycotting the match and Titans caretaker coach Craig Hodges said he expected the criticism to fire up their opposition.
"I'm expecting to face a dangerous side on the weekend," he said.
"They've been questioned on a lot of levels. The playing group have been questioned personally and professionally ... they've been under attack.
"I think they'll bring their best football and want to prove everyone wrong."
STATS THAT MATTER
* The last time two interim coaches met was in round 25, 2014 when Neil Henry (Titans) and Andrew McFadden (Warriors) faced off.
* The Titans loss last week means they will receive their second NRL wooden spoon, after finishing last in 2011.
