Stephen Hales

So, you know, all those clauses in his contract, Nutt got rid of them, extended his time up there at Newcastle, very invested in this group.

They're building around him, putting together in the structures around whether it's Holbrook, Stephen Hales, Peter O'Sullivan, the players that they have signed around him, Dylan Brown most notably, but the absence of Dylan Brown and the absence of Dylan Lucas and no Jacob Saifidi, and no Trey Mooney, and yet still, Caelan Ponga was able to inspire his team and his town to a famous victory.

He was magnificent.

And when you start thinking, he is the highest paid player in the league, And as much as you can say that I think Nathan is a better player or better for your club or maybe more valuable...

He wanted to be a part of it and feel what the players are feeling.

I know the other assistants were down there.

Stephen Hales was down there on the ground.

Dunny has responded.

You know, I...

We've believed this whole year, ever since we come into pre-season, when Justin, Stephen Hales, Bedsy and Brett White come in, you know, from day one, they've had that belief in us, you know, and when you feel that belief come from the coaching staff, you really believe in yourselves and that's what we've got at the moment and we're enjoying our footy.

What's it like playing with Calum Ponga? Did you lit it up tonight?

Oh, yeah, mate.