Roosters powerbrokers’ fury at Adam O’Brien’s possible shift to Newcastle
It’s not even a done deal, but the Sydney Roosters are so angry at the possibility of Adam O’Brien joining Newcastle, that the assistant coach could be immediately sacked if he decides to take over from Nathan Brown.
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A powerful faction inside the Sydney Roosters is pushing for the club to immediately sack assistant coach Adam O’Brien if he accepts the Newcastle coaching position.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Roosters coach Trent Robinson fronted O’Brien at a special meeting on Thursday amid fears the coaching drama could derail the club’s run into the finals.
It is understood O’Brien did not reveal whether he would leave but may announce his coaching future after the Roosters game against St George Illawarra at Kogarah on Saturday night.
O’Brien, who is particularly close to Roosters’ chief playmaker Cooper Cronk, having worked together for a decade in Melbourne, has been strongly linked to the Knights coaching position despite being just nine months into a three-year contract at Bondi.
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The Roosters are filthy at O’Brien and his manager, Isaac Moses.
One source close to the club said: “Is it the decent thing to do for a bloke to leave nine months into a three-year contract, just three weeks out from the finals, when the club is going so well?
“It’s three weeks from the finals … we don’t need this.”
Senior bullish figures at the club believe O’Brien should be dumped if he has in fact signed with Newcastle for next season.
Other influential officials at the Roosters are resisting such a dramatic move with the club perfectly placed to secure back-to-back titles.
It is understood Roosters officials and Moses exchanged angry phone calls on Thursday. Roosters’ board members were angry O’Brien had failed to disclose his future to the club.
Robinson desperately wants the drama sorted to ensure his side can enjoy a settled finals preparation.
The Daily Telegraph and Robinson, who will hold a press conference at 12.30pm on Friday, exchanged text messages on Thursday but the two-time premiership coach preferred not to comment on the O’Brien situation.
“Sorry, am not discussing the topic. Will always support our crew,” Robinson said.
Robinson and O’Brien worked together on Thursday at a club coaching meeting.
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The Roosters coach is staying calm and doing “what is best for the club,” according to a source.
Club management has been blindsided by the development, most believing O’Brien would fulfil his contract commitments. Moses and Politis have never been close.
Robinson couldn’t contact O’Brien throughout Wednesday, increasing suspicions the assistant coach was leaving. O’Brien later told staff he had travelled to the Southern Highlands to visit family.
O’Brien is clear favourite for the Knights job ahead of Melbourne assistant, Jason Ryles.
A former Storm assistant coach, O’Brien became Newcastle’s number one target after Roosters and NSW assistant Craig Fitzgibbon declared himself unavailable.
It is understood O’Brien has a get-out clause in his Roosters contract stating he can leave if offered a head coaching position. Newcastle and Moses have spoken formally.
During the season, senior Roosters players told The Daily Telegraph of the positive impact O’Brien has had on the playing group.
Newcastle’s owners, The Wests Group, have voted to appoint a rookie coach to replace Nathan Brown. Assistant coaches Jason Demetriou (South Sydney) and Cameron Ciraldo (Penrith) have also been discussed.
Newcastle head of football, Brian Canavan has drawn up a list of candidates which was handed to club CEO, Phil Gardner. Fitzgibbon was first choice but decided to sign a new contract extension at Bondi.