On New Zealand
They were tremendous, they're here to play and attack to World Cup. They were a very quick, prepared and athletic group. Any representative team is athletic and there are more to come into that group. They'll be a real threat to the World Cup.
The challenge of preparing for the game
I think for any Super League team to be playing this time of year against a team like that would be a struggle. We had a bunch of blokes unavailable for the Grand Final who still aren't ready to play. In the end, if you're a rugby league fan you've enjoyed that I think because you've turned your attention to some of the best players that have played in the last 10 or 15 years. Obviously a big challenge, individually there was a lot of effort, collectively the connectedness wasn't there with the disrupted prep.
The occasion
It was an event, that was the purpose. For the Kiwis it was a hit out and for us to farewell some long-serving players and just enjoy a night of rugby league as best possible without the result being the key.
Blake Austin's injury
He got a good poke in the eye, he's got some blurred vision in his eye and it didn't come back so there was no chance you can ask him to play with that tonight.
Luke Hooley
I thought it was good for him, he got out there and there's no bigger test than playing against those players so I think it sets him up well for a big pre-season and ready himself for Super League. There's nothing like a game against the best players in the world.
Reflecting on the season
It probably hasn't really sunk in yet, I'm looking forward to getting some planning and admin done this week then the week after having a bit of a holiday and letting it digest. I'm not good at season-ending emotions I'm always excited about the next pre-season. I'm excited about what's ahead. Disappointed a little bit we couldn't make it a bit tighter and limited the damage a bit tonight but overall a cracking five months, a great journey and it was great to see so many people come out and celebrate the season that was and farewell some great Rhinos.
Appreciation from the New Zealand camp
There are a lot of friends in that Kiwis group that I've known over my time and they've all said we put on a good show here and that's game day done right. There's a great occasion, there was never a doubt there'd be a good crowd but you have to tip your hat, the season went a long way, the World Cup is about to start and people still came out to watch a game, so thank you to everyone.
Adam Cuthbertson
I've watched Cuthbo's career from his Manly days then followed and coached against him in my NRL time. He's always been a skilful player and it was good to see him get a couple of offloads for old times sake. It was nice to be able to include him on the day. He'd have to be amongst them (best offloaders), for sure, he could probably play the whole game without having to play the ball I reckon.
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