Eels coach rues missed chances

Newcastle celebrate their Grand Final win

Parramatta coach Brian Smith said his team's failure to score prior to half-time proved decisive in the Eels' 30-24 defeat by Newcastle in the NRL Grand Final.

The Eels trailed 24-0 at the break following a devastating opening 40 minutes by the Knights at Stadium Australia.

Bill Peden crossed for two tries and Ben Kennedy and Steve Simpson scored one each as the Knights built an ultimately unassailable first-half lead.

My players brought new meaning to the term fightback

Eels coach Brian Smith

"From our point of view I thought the game was won and lost in the last 10 minutes of the first half," said Smith, NRL's coach of the season.

"I thought that if we got something there it might have been enough."

Andrew Ryan and Luke Burt both came close to scoring for the Eels before the hooter but Ryan was unable to ground the ball and Burt bundled into touch close to the try line.

"I was delighted with the was my players fought back. They brought new meaning to the term fightback in the second half," added Smith.

Parramatta have not won a championship since 1986 but having lost just four of their previous 28 matches started the game as favourites.

No one tipped us but this is what the hard work was all about

Knights' skipper Andrew Johns

Their failure to contain Knights' skipper and man of the match Andrew Johns was a key factor in their defeat.

Johns kicked five goals during the match and dictated play with his varied kicking game.

"I can't believe it. No-one tipped us but this is what the hard work was all about," said a delighted Johns.

"Coach Michael Hagan instilled belief into us and we will do anything for him.

"Parramatta was the best team all year but unfortunately for them on the day it was not to be. I'm sure they'll be back next year."

The Knights have now won two Grand Finals.

Their first win came in 1997 when they scored a last-minute try to defeat Manly-Warringah.