Butts: Do you see what I see?

Old boys’ day, the 20th anniversary of that perfect day and a chance to earn some respect in front of a resilient and loyal home crowd against the Premiers.

Down 18-0 before some had found their seats, that looked a long shot from the ex-player tent. But they fought back and looked competitive when oranges were called.

On a weekend of some less than competent refereeing interpretations, naturally the Knights were to get their share.

Apart from the miraculous no-try in the dying stages that rightfully deserved a spot on any highlight reel, a decision resulting from an attempted intercept that wrongfully seized possession for the wavering visitors was the worst of the year.

The entire eastern grandstand, including the Sharks faithful, agreed it had been a knock-down by the player attempting the intercept.

So how do two referees and a touch judge miss it?

It looked like the female touch judge tipped the ref he got it wrong but was ignored. So why have touch judges if you’re going to ignore them? Have the girls not yet earned their stripes?

Some may say I'm going a bit hard on the refs and the Knights were beaten by the better team. There's a bit of truth in both views, except the knock-on call released the pressure valve on the relieved Sharks at a crucial time that changed the game.

And even legendary whistleblower Bill Harrigan gave them a backhander last week, noting on radio the refs had “performed below par this round” and it didn't bode well for the start of the semis.

Not good.

The other drum Harrigan was beating was to sin-bin, for one set, any player deliberately drawing a penalty when defending close to their line.

“Park them behind the dead-ball line for a set,” he reckons. “That'll stop 'em.”

I have to admit it's got legs, but how do you determine intent? How far out from the try line would it apply? Not more “interpretations”.

Regardless, it's a blight, and a regressive tactic pioneered by the Roosters a few years back that has taken hold with the very best teams. If it's not sorted out soon, it will become the norm, like the wrestle and the play-the-ball, at all levels, if it's not already.

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Finally, down to brass tacks. The semis are here and those who are left are playing for sheep stations.

The Roosters are privately crying foul after giving away two days of recovery to the blessed Broncos tonight.

But, as a top-four, two-bites-at-the-cherry team, it's not the end of the world. After the loss of Cordner, I'm tipping the Broncos to make a bird of the advantage in a close affair.

First v fourth, Melbourne v Eels, may be a turn-up for punters chasing value.

Parra can do anything on their day, but the Storm seem to do it better nearly every day. This game may turn on whether Semi Radradra can do what no one else has done and dominate superstar wingman Vunivalu. Time will tell, but it should be a cracking match-up. 

The two elimination semis could see the premiers out in week one and the high-flying Eagles plucked.

For the latter and Penrith it's Groundhog Day, having played last week. This time will be for keeps and spiced up by midweek banter. Should be willing. 

More likely, the Panthers will succumb to internal pressure and the Thurston-less Cowboys will be out of their misery and mosey on home. 

On another matter in relation to the semis, does anyone know how the games will be finished in extra time these days? Is it 10 each way or straight to golden point? Is it the same in all matches? 

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Closer to home, I was impressed with young Tyrone Amey last week on debut.

Far from being overawed, he showed poise in handling for a try and otherwise was in the more fancied opposition's faces all game.

A good, confident start for the young man, who gets to leverage new-found belief in week two of the NSW Cup as he rejoins his team after they thumped North Sydney last week. Likewise, our under 20s are in the mix against a Broncos roster that should be the envy of the league world.

Both teams deserve to be commended, and Novocastrians will expect a courageous display. Make it happen, fellas, and good luck.

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So what's next for the Knights?

There's a fair bit of hope out there for the future, which in part comes from an expectation of stability and recent events such as a gutsy three-out-of-five finish, new owners and new talent.

All good stuff and a solid base, but there's plenty of work to be done with not much scope for excuses as players and coaching staff are now resourced and well positioned.

Ambition for 2018? Absolutely. Expectation has to be top eight as a general principle. But it will be the detail, team building and dedicated actions that must be front of mind when training resumes mid-November.

Measured over years rather than weeks, building combination takes time. Even if we combined quickly, it's not like the other mobs will be resting on their laurels. So, much to think about for those remaining and a thank you and best wishes to those moving on.

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Lower grades notwithstanding, that's it. All over Rose, pick up your clothes.

A third consecutive “fail” marks season’s end and a chance to take stock.  

Most Knights fans are a bit stunned by it all, really, with little else to feel but hope. Anything that gives a little comfort.

But in order to heal properly, before you can truly grow, one must admit to themselves the ugly truth. Based on wins and losses, the Knights are the worst team in the comp. Harsh? Confronting? Three years running, it's the reality. 

Talk about a school of hard knocks. One hopes those players who remain remember well the sacrifices and lessons learned.

Now, the recovery and revival can begin.