Newcastle Knights sack coach Rick Stone

NEWCASTLE Knights have shown coach Rick Stone the door following his side’s 46-point defeat at the hands of the Rabbitohs.

27 JULY 2015: Newcastle Knights NRL coach Rick Stone has been sacked with former player Danny Buderus taking over for the reminder of the season. TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Newcastle coach Rick Stone looks on during the post match media conference at the end of during the round two NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Knights at 1300SMILES Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Knights announced on Monday afternoon that the position of Stone had become “untenable” following the club’s 52-6 thrashing by South Sydney on Saturday, the club’s 12th loss in 14 matches.

Stone’s assistant and club legend Danny Buderus will take over in the interim as Newcastle begin the search for a new coach for the 2016 season.

“We thank Rick for his efforts and loyalty over a long period of time and while these decisions are never easy, it was made in the best interests of the club,” chief executive Matt Gidley said in a statement.

“The club will now undertake a formal review process of our entire football operations, of which the playing group are a key part, and all have the opportunity to demonstrate over the next seven weeks why they should retain their position.

“The club strives to build a consistent, competitive and entertaining team and this formal review process will help us achieve this.”

After winning their first four games of the season, the Knights have enjoyed just two victories since and sit second last on the NRL ladder.

Originally published as Newcastle Knights sack coach Rick Stone