Stat that explains Knights' rise

A daring early attacking blitz philosophy has the Knights on the verge of a remarkable late charge into the finals. Adam O'Brien's men have won seven games straight for the first time in more than two decades - and it's all due to a series of early blitzes. The Knights have scored more points than any team in the NRL in the first 20 minutes of games this season, throwing the ball around early while their rivals are simply playing steady football. They were at it again against the Rabbitohs yesterday, giving danger men Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew the ball with early time and space to charge to an 8-0 lead after just 13 minutes. Souths never recovered from the onslaught and were chasing their tails all game, with the Knights finishing convincing 29-10 winners. The loss leaves Souths in a precarious position in the finals battle, with a bye next weekend and then it all coming down to the final round clash with old rivals, the Roosters.

Phoenix proves us wrong

Sometimes you have to put your hand up and say you were wrong about a player, and I'm doing that right now with Phoenix Crossland.I never really rated Crossland as an NRL player over the past couple of seasons but boy, has he proved his worth over the past month during the Knights' impressive five-game winning run.With Jayden Brailey out for the year with a knee reconstruction, Crossland has answered an SOS from coach Adam O'Brien and the halfback has slotted into the key hooking role with ease.Against the Dolphins last Saturday in Perth, he came up with some key plays, scored a vital try and made more tackles than anyone on the field.Newcastle limped over the line 30-28, and Crossland's contribution may well have proved the difference as the Knights moved back into the top eight.