Under-siege Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien admits he is “sick of being kicked in the guts” when being constantly forced to address his future.
“I’ve taken the approach that I’m the coach of the club right now,” he said on Saturday.
This masthead revealed during the week that Knights powerbrokers had started to make internal plans to part ways with O’Brien after six years at the helm of the club. A top-12 finish last year triggered a two-year extension for O’Brien, who is expected to receive a full payout.
Newcastle’s highest-paid player, Kalyn Ponga, was also in the headlines, with his name floated to European rugby clubs, as well as organisers of the rebel R360 competition, amid fears he would not be at the club beyond this season. Ponga eventually took to social media to declare he would honour his Newcastle deal until the end of 2027.
As for O’Brien, who has taken the Knights to the finals in four of his five full seasons in charge, what comes next is not as clear.
Newcastle legend Andrew Johns said it was “inevitable” O’Brien would be shown the door. His brother, Matthew, a fellow Knights hero, asked in his News Limited column if O’Brien had taken the side as far as he can.
The pressure is on Knights coach Adam O’Brien.Credit: Getty Images
Blake Green is already on the payroll and a potential successor, while Cronulla assistant Josh Hannay and Hull KR coach Willie Peters, who has worked at the Knights, are other options.
Speaking before Sunday’s clash with the Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium, O’Brien said: “I’m getting quite used to it [the speculation].
“It was a bit of a shock on the Monday, but since then, I can honestly say, I haven’t let it consume me one bit.
“That will not affect my ability to do my job for the team and the club, and I won’t let that get in the way of anything. Since Monday, it was business as usual.
Kalyn Ponga this week said he’ll see out his Knights deal.Credit: Getty Images
“Dealing in speculation from media outlets isn’t helpful. I’ve taken the approach that I’m the coach of the club right now.”
O’Brien said he would be “disappointed” if someone from within the club was pushing the narrative to the media. He said the focus on his future had a bigger impact on his loved ones.
“I know it’s a cliche, and you probably think we don’t believe in it, but you’re put in a position where you understand there will be pressure – a lot rides on winning footy games,” he said.
“I understand all that. It’s not ideal for your loved ones and family, and friends; it affects them.
“I wouldn’t be human if you [don’t] get a little bit sick of being kicked in the guts.
“But at the end of the day, it won’t help the playing group, and that is always sat the forefront of my mind. I’ll do my bit to help these boys win footy games.
“I’m as committed as I was [on] day one. It’s been my greatest honour to be the coach of the club; I haven’t lost that love for the club, the town and [the] playing group.
“I’m connected to the group, we’ve been through some successful times, and been through some real adversity. Until I’m told otherwise, that will be my mindset.”
Ponga is on $1.4 million a season and will be joined by another million-dollar player in Dylan Brown next year. How many coaches would leap at the chance to work with a roster where so much money is tied up in two players who struggle for consistency?
O’Brien said interest in Ponga was natural because he was a marquee player and “pivotal in a lot of the good things we do”.
As for how confident he was about Ponga staying in Newcastle, O’Brien said: “I don’t think you can be any clearer than his statement.”
The Knights are already struggling with injuries, and O’Brien said several players had missed the captain’s run due to a virus that had ripped through the club.
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