Newcastle Knights’ coach Adam O’Brien expressed his frustration with his players following a disappointing 24-20 defeat to the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night. This loss marked the Knights’ sixth defeat in their last seven matches, a situation that has left O’Brien considering possible changes to the team’s lineup, including drawing from reserve-grade options.
After building a promising 20-0 lead at halftime, the Knights faltered significantly in the second half, committing eight errors and maintaining just 34 per cent of possession. O’Brien was particularly exasperated with his side’s inability to capitalise on their early dominance, citing their second-half completion rate of only 55 per cent as “ridiculous.” He called out the outside backs for their contributing errors, indicating that these mistakes were compromising the performance of the team’s core players.
Acknowledging the need for accountability, O’Brien stated, “Some of the fundamentals must be addressed. Certain individuals need to hold themselves to account because it’s not just about flashy play but about making reliable decisions.” He noted that if the team could eliminate these errors, they possess the potential to play well.
Furthermore, O’Brien accepted responsibility for the situation, stating, “I’ll put my hand up. I’ve got to get it out of us. The buck stops with me, and I need to find the answer.” With the Knights set to face the Eels next Friday, he hinted at the possibility of making significant changes to the squad, suggesting that he would first review the game’s footage to assess his own contributions to the team’s struggles.
He stressed the need for reflection before potential execution of changes, contemplating other options, including players currently competing in the NSW Cup. “If there are better options available, I may need to make a change,” he concluded, indicating a willingness to adapt in search of improvement as the team continues to grapple with their recent form.