This was published 7 months ago
Knights turn to new coaching options as O’Brien walks away
Updated ,first published
Adam O’Brien’s tenure at the Newcastle Knights is officially over as he prepares to coach the final two games of the season.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity have confirmed O’Brien told players on Wednesday that a severance package has been agreed to by himself and the club, despite the coach having two years to run on his deal.
O’Brien is expected to coach his final two games at the club against Cronulla this Sunday and Parramatta at CommBank Stadium the following week.
Knights players Phoenix Crossland and Tom Cant were set to have media interviews on Wednesday morning, before the club sent an email confirming those opportunities had been cancelled. O’Brien’s Saturday morning press conference was also cancelled.
As reported last month, O’Brien’s assistant coach Blake Green is the frontrunner to take over as head coach. The other option being discussed is former Gold Coast Titans coach and current Sydney Roosters assistant coach Justin Holbrook.
The Knights were also interested in Queensland and Cronulla assistant coach Josh Hannay, who has since signed a three-year deal to replace Des Hasler at the Gold Coast Titans.
There is a push within the Knights for Green to take over next season. Green, who has the same manager (Isaac Moses) as O’Brien, is the team’s attack coach and is highly regarded by officials and players alike, despite the team’s struggles with the ball in 2025. The club is impressed with his football nous, his man management and his connection with the players.
O’Brien has led the team to four finals appearances but injuries to key players and roster management issues have hindered his ability to build on a promising start to his tenure at the club.
On the negative side for Green is his lack of experience, and the fact he has overseen the team’s struggling attack this season. Those pushing for his elevation into the head coaching role say he is merely implementing the plans of the head coach and shouldn’t be blamed for the team’s attacking woes.
There are others who believe a more experienced coach, like Brad Arthur or Willie Peters – who are both having great seasons with their respective Super League clubs this year – would be better suited to the role. The other experienced option is Holbrook.
Arthur’s Leeds Rhinos are coming off a 28-6 win over the top-of-the-table Hull KR side coached by Peters. Arthur recently signed an extension with Leeds.
Green played a pivotal role in discussions with incoming playmaker Dylan Brown, convincing him that the club would play a brand of football that would suit his game despite not being a recognised No.7.
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