A capacity crowd of over 24,000 fans, including more than 150 former players had McDonald Jones Stadium swelling at the seams at the weekend.
In the upper levels, the champions of the club's past campaigns gathered to watch the new generation and remember one of their own.
Scott Dureau, a former Knights goal-kicking halfback, was on the minds of his former teammates and friends.
Dureau's cancer battle ended last month. He was 39.
Old Boys had banded together to raise funds to support Mr Dureau's family over the week before the game.
They remembered him as a perennially optimistic clubman, teammate and mentor to players coming through the ranks.
While spirits were high in the upper levels where Knights greats rubbed shoulders, reminisced and reunited, the story on the field was more bleak.
The Knights conceded eight tries to a rampant Manly, overrun 44-24.
The defeat also put a dent in the Knights' chances of a home final.
Newcastle remains sixth on 32 points but is in danger of being leapfrogged by Souths.
The Knights are away to the Warriors next before a bye, guaranteeing two points in the final round.
