Matty Johns praises Newcastle Knights fans in emotional tribute after NRL preliminary final

Former Knights star Matty Johns has praised the Knights and their fans after Newcastle reached the NRL grand final for the first time in 25 years.

Johns became emotional as he hailed the supporters for sticking by the team.

The Knights will face the Roosters in the NRL grand final on Sunday, October 4 from 7:30pm AEDT.

Link copied Share Share article Former Knights star Matty Johns has broken down in tears as he heaped praise on the Newcastle team and its fans after a gripping and gritty NRL preliminary final win over Penrith.

The Knights played more than half the game with 12 men on the field after Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip drop that graphically broke Nathan Cleary's leg.