Tough to watch.
That about sums up another error-prone performance against Parramatta yesterday if you are a Knights fan.
Trouble is, there may be worse to come with things to potentially get even tougher before they get better.
The cavalry is returning but it won't be quick enough to come to coach Adam O'Brien's aid this week as he contemplates the possibility of having even more players unavailable.
He was missing seven regulars against the Eels. Only one - Daniel Saifiti - will be back for the clash with South Sydney on Saturday and that's provided he gets through Wednesday night's Origin unscathed.
But consider this. The Knights have four players, Jacob Saifiti, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Enari Tuala and Jesse Sue, all on report and facing possible suspension. Add to that, wingers Starford To'a and Brayden Musgrove both picked up injuries and are in doubt for the Souths clash.
"We could be really scratching around to even put a side on the park against Souths," O'Brien told the Newcastle Herald.
"We've got four players on report and I've got no idea whether they will be charged. But we could lose some of them. And Star and Muzzy have also picked up injuries and might struggle. It was a tough day today but it might get tougher this week."
As it stands, playmaker Mitchell Pearce, Hymel Hunt and possibly Kalyn Ponga will return from lengthy stints out against the Warriors in a fortnight's time along with suspended prop David Klemmer. But that will be cold comfort after another bumbling effort against the Eels eroded any confidence gleaned from the previous week's win over Manly.
There was no excusing some of the fundamental errors made by a host of players, or the lack of conviction in defence. Musgrove set the scene for what was to come with a play-the-ball error in the opening few minutes that led to Parramatta's opening try to Ryan Matterson. The Eels weren't squeaky clean either early with their handling but their confidence grew with every Knights mistake.
O'Brien put it perfectly when he suggested it was like his side was stuck in quick-sand for most of the game.
What the performance highlighted yet again is the fact the Knights just don't have the depth to cover when so many front-line players are missing. But whoever gets thrown out there is entitled to, at the very least, get the basics right.
O'Brien said his players were feeling it after the game, particularly given it was Old Boys' Day.
"They are a high care bunch," he said. "They understand there won't be some nice things written about them tonight and tomorrow but as we have discussed down there, there is no point listening to the pats on the back if you are not prepared to listen to the kicks in the bum."
The Eels didn't get out of the game unscathed with man of the match Reed Mahoney injuring his shoulder.
