Disappointed Wyong Roos coach Rip Taylor has offered no excuses following his team's 20-10 loss to the Newcastle Knights in the VB NSW Cup decider on Sunday.
A veteran coach of 36 seasons Taylor said his side's errors cost them dearly when it mattered as the Knights, led by captain Clint Newton, secured victory against a Wyong team chockfull of contracted Sydney Roosters players.
As noted by the Newcastle Herald last week Taylor has taken the abundance of teams he has coached over the past (almost) four decades to 23 grand finals, and said following his 11th grand final loss in this time that they still hurt all the same.
"No, no, grand final losses never become easier especially on days like this one. These opportunities never come around very often in this game," Taylor told NRL.com.
"But you can't lose them if you're not here I suppose so it's been a great season from our boys to get themselves here when all is said and done.
"I'm very disappointed. Obviously we didn't want to put that type of performance out on a day like this but credit to the Knights they hung in there and have come a long way so congratulations to them.
"We had quite a few opportunities and didn't take them and on days like these ones we have to make them and our plays count.
"It'll always hurt and a lot of teams never read the right script but we'll be back there next year and hopefully we'll have another positive year again."
Nevertheless Taylor – who is also the club's coaching director – was proud of how far the club has come in its three short seasons in the NSW Cup following it's defection from Newcastle's Real NRL.
Winning the wooden spoon in 2013, the Roos have since reversed their fortunes massively and were a force to be reckoned with this season.
Behind inspirational skipper Mitch Williams, who has been at the club for most of his career and was a part of the club's last grand final back in 2009 – a 36-4 win over Cessnock, Taylor believes the only way is up for his Roos.
"The club should be very proud in what they have achieved in such a short amount of time," Taylor said.
"Probably the best thing about Wyong is they are a rugby league club and they love their football so that part is a plus to us."