Newcastle Knights’ plan to sack coach revealed as powerbrokers grow tired of poor form

Knights powerbrokers have finally grown fed up with coach Adam O’Brien and have put into motion a plan to sack the coach.

Newcastle Knights powerbrokers have reportedly finally grown fed up with coach Adam O’Brien and have put into motion a secret plan to sack the coach, according to the SMH.

It has been reported that only a late-season turn of form will save O’Brien’s job, with Newcastle reportedly willing to pay him out of the final two years of his deal.

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O’Brien had a clause triggered in his deal which extended his stay until the end of 2027 after he finished in the top 12 last season.

But even the hefty payout the Knights will have to cough up reportedly not enough to save his job, with his six-year tenure at the club appearing to be all but over.

The Knights are reportedly set to sack Adam O’Brien. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

The Knights are missing star duo Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe for the remainder of the 2025 season through injury.

While Dylan Lucas has also been ruled out for the rest of the year after picking up a foot injury in last weekend’s loss to the Storm.

So any late year resurgence appears highly unlikely, with Newcastle more likely to be wooden spooners than playing finals footy in 2025.

Assistant coach Blake Green is an obvious replacement, who is also currently the club’s attacking coach.

Queensland assistant Josh Hannay and former Eels coach Brad Arthur are other leading contenders for the Newcastle top job.

The Knights have had a year to forget in 2025. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

However SEN’s Bryan Fletcher wants to see the club bring back their former assistant coach Willie Peters.

“I’m pushing for my man Willie Peters,” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 Drive after news broke of O’Brien’s imminent sacking.

“Willie Peters will do the double this year, Challenge Cup and Super League.

“Get him back… He was an assistant (coach) there.”

Peters was the assistant coach at the Knights for O’Brien’s first three years at the helm between 2020 and 2022.

He has since moved to coach the Hull Kingston Rovers.

Under his leadership the club has gone from strength to strength, finishing fourth, second, and first in 2024.

The Knights currently sit 13th on the NRL ladder, just 2 points ahead of the last placed Titans.

They will face the soaring New Zealand Warriors this week at home.

Originally published as Newcastle Knights’ plan to sack coach revealed as powerbrokers grow tired of poor form