After Newcastle’s impressive 30-4 victory over South Sydney on Saturday, Knights coach Adam O’Brien took the opportunity to respond to his critics during the post-match press conference. Opting to retain Fletcher Sharpe and Jack Cogger as the team’s halves combination, O’Brien’s decision bore fruit as the duo contributed significantly to the game, with Sharpe scoring a hat-trick on his 21st birthday and Cogger adding an early try.
O’Brien faced scrutiny last season for frequently changing his halves, yet his consistent selection of Sharpe and Cogger this year has been relatively stable, with other players like Tyson Gamble and Phoenix Crossland featuring sparingly. Despite Gamble’s recent return from injury, O’Brien chose not to include him in the squad for Magic Round, believing he had insufficient match fitness after only one appearance in six months.
In response to the media’s inquiries regarding the effectiveness of his strategy, O’Brien defended his choices and took a light-hearted jab at the press’s shifting opinions. He stated, “I wasn’t chopping and changing this year… I was picking and sticking,” referring to the contradictions he feels exist in the media’s perspective.
The victory marked a welcome end to the Knights’ five-game losing streak, but O’Brien remained cautious about overreacting to the win. He acknowledged the challenges they have faced but emphasised the need to stay focused on their approach rather than getting caught up in external pressures.
Despite the success, his playful criticism of the media hinted at an understanding of the ongoing scrutiny he faces, reminding everyone that in the world of professional sports, opinions can change rapidly. The coach expressed gratitude for the victory while steering clear of complacency, highlighting the importance of consistency moving forward.