‘Crazy’ Knights name grilled as trainer bats away $2m hearsay

Adam O’Brien has brushed apart hypothesis about his long term on the Knights as a huge $2 million payout determine looms huge.

Newcastle began their season rather neatly however have since long gone directly to lose seven in their previous 8 video games, together with a dire efficiency in opposition to Parramatta closing week.

The aspect at the moment are languishing in 14th spot at the festival ladder, with power beginning to mount on O’Brien and rumblings of the membership shifting in a brand new path.

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That communicate simplest heated up this week when Nine’s Michael Chammas instructed 100% Footy {that a} main a part of the decision-making procedure centres across the reality Newcastle would wish to pay out the rest of the trainer’s contract in the event that they sack him.

O’Brien is signed till the top of 2027, because it stands.

Speaking to media forward in their conflict in opposition to the Panthers, the 47-year-old used to be quizzed in regards to the consideration his contract used to be getting.

“I’ve got good, strong support from the board,” O’Brien stated.

“They understand the situation that we’re in with our depth and the injuries.

“Pressure and expectation comes with the process, I take into account that. I’m used to it by means of now.

“We want results and I understand our supporters and sponsors want results – but I can’t get fixated on that narrative. I’ve just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players.”

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O’Brien took the reins on the Knights in 2020 and whilst they’ve made the finals on 4 events, issues seem to have plateaued and even nosedived.

League nice Braith Anasta raised critical query marks over Newcastle’s endurance with O’Brien and admits there are grave considerations over the place the membership is headed.

“I don’t even know how to help Newcastle,” he stated on BTFU’s 180 Podcast.

“I’d hate to be in that inner sanctum now, the vibe would be like a funeral.

“The entire factor round him is the $2 million payout. I do not believe many different coaches, the best way they are going and place they are in, would have survived so long as he has.

“A lot of it has to do with the money he is owed with a payout there and you’ve got to question why they re-signed him, they weren’t exactly flying … that was pretty crazy.”

O’Brien these days has a 45 in keeping with cent successful file as a head trainer with the Knights, who have not gained a premiership in additional than twenty years.

The power at the trainer comes because the rumours about Kalyn Ponga short of out of the membership refuse to depart because the fullback heads into State of Origin camp.