Battered and bruised after his NRL debut the night before, Tex Hoy says he can't recall playing in another game like it.
Injuries to key personnel inside the opening 10 minutes, playing with 15 men for the rest of the match, three local rookies, a dramatic period of golden point and fighting back from 14-0 down.
The 20-year-old made his first appearance for the Newcastle Knights at fullback, featuring heavily in a dramatic 14-all draw with the Penrith Panthers at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.
"I've never been in a game like that," Hoy said on Monday morning.
"I don't think I've ever been in extra time and I don't think I've ever lost two key players in a team.
"It was crazy. It's something I'll never forget. Hopefully next time it's a lot smooter sailing."
Hoy, called in to replace suspended No.1 Kalyn Ponga, picked up one Dally M point while Newcastle forward Tim Glasby collected three.
Hoy and Ponga, who watched the Knights resume their NRL season on television because of coronavirus restrictions at the venue, are also housemates.
"He was excited. He told us that he was just running around the hous going crazy by himself. It was good to hear from him, but it would have been nice to see him out there. It is what it is and he was pretty proud of us," Hoy said.
The Knights return to Campbelltown Stadium this Sunday to meet fellow undefeated side and last year's grand finalists Canberra.
MORE KNIGHTS NEWS:
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'He'll never forget his debut': The Knight who tackled his way into the record books
- Knights captain Mitchell Pearce in awe of Newcastle's bravery in Penrith draw
- Barry Toohey: Has there ever been a batter basks-to-the-wall performance from the Knights?
- Connor Watson hopes to shake off injury in time for Raiders blockbuster
