Knights’ head coach Adam O’Brien has expressed regret regarding his handling of a press conference following revelations about Dylan Brown’s contract with Newcastle. O’Brien, accompanied by captain Kalyn Ponga, addressed the media after their 26-12 victory against the Dolphins, which was markedly different from his earlier media engagement where he focused on the upcoming game rather than Brown.
Although the Knights have yet to officially confirm Brown’s signing, the Eels player had openly stated he had agreed to terms with Newcastle, sparking numerous inquiries directed towards O’Brien. However, the coach deflected these questions, prioritising the immediate game over future contracts.
After the win, O’Brien sought to apologise to journalists for his previous approach, stating, “I understand I may have appeared dismissive regarding Dylan Brown, but my foremost responsibility was to avoid discussing next year when our team was just 24 hours away from playing.” He acknowledged that while he didn’t intend to offend the media, he wanted to respect both the cooling-off period involved and the interests of Parramatta, Brown’s current club.
O’Brien further highlighted his dedication to the present season and the need to support the current team rather than focusing on prospective player signings, noting that fans expect commitment to winning now rather than speculating on future acquisitions. He reiterated that the focus is on this season with the current squad and that Brown’s future involvement remains a year away.
Additionally, O’Brien responded to speculation regarding Ponga’s happiness at the club amid rumours linking him to rugby union in New Zealand. He remarked, “The ongoing speculation about Kalyn being unhappy is unfounded; his on-field performances tell a different story.” Ponga, who delivered an impressive performance with significant contributions in the match against the Dolphins, also dismissed the claims about his dissatisfaction, emphasizing his excitement about the potential addition of Brown: “How do I look out there? I look happy, don’t I? It’s all part of the game.”
Both O’Brien and Ponga reaffirmed their commitment to the Knights as they navigate the current NRL season, focusing on team unity and performance rather than future uncertainties.