Phil Gould has raised concerns regarding the potential coaching replacements for Adam O’Brien, whose position as head coach of the Newcastle Knights faces uncertainty as the team endures a challenging season. O’Brien, who has been at the helm for six years, has led the Knights to the finals on four occasions; however, the club has experienced mixed results, including a disappointing 14th-place finish in the past and a current standing of 13th.
Reports from Nine’s 100% Footy and The Sydney Morning Herald indicate that the Knights’ management is contemplating O’Brien’s dismissal at the conclusion of the season, despite his contract extending until 2027. Assistant coaches Blake Green, Josh Hannay, and Willie Peters have emerged as candidates for the coaching role. Notably, Green is seen as a strong internal contender, notwithstanding the Knights’ struggles as the lowest-scoring team in the league.
Gould expressed doubt over the direction Newcastle might take, admitting uncertainty in identifying suitable coaching talent available for recruitment, as he believes most coaches are currently stable in their roles.
O’Brien’s tenure at Newcastle has been one of highs and lows, frequently witnessing the team start seasons sluggishly before regaining momentum towards their conclusions. Under his leadership, players like Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson, and Bradman Best have emerged as representative-level talent, yet the team has largely failed to pose a serious threat for the premiership during his time.
Looking ahead, the Knights are set to welcome Dylan Brown next year, having secured him on a lucrative ten-year contract worth $1.4 million per season. As the season closes, the club is in a critical phase, needing to consider not just O’Brien’s future but also the strategic path forward that entails both staff and player recruitment.