Adam O’Brien has brushed aside speculation about his future at the Knights as an enormous $2 million payout figure looms large.
Newcastle started their season reasonably well but have since gone on to lose seven of their past eight games, including a dire performance against Parramatta last week.
The side are now languishing in 14th spot on the competition ladder, with pressure starting to mount on O’Brien and rumblings of the club moving in a new direction.
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That talk only heated up this week when Nine’s Michael Chammas told 100% Footy that a major part of the decision-making process centres around the fact Newcastle would need to pay out the remainder of the coach’s contract if they sack him.
O’Brien is signed until the end of 2027, as it stands.
Adam O’Brien speaks to media ahead of round three. Newcastle Knights
Speaking to media ahead of their clash against the Panthers, the 47-year-old was quizzed about the attention his contract was getting.
“I’ve got good, strong support from the board,” O’Brien said.
“They understand the situation that we’re in with our depth and the injuries.
“Pressure and expectation comes with the job, I understand that. I’m used to it by 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 at the Knights in 2020 and while they have made the finals on four occasions, things appear to have plateaued or even nosedived.
League great Braith Anasta raised serious question marks over Newcastle’s patience with O’Brien and admits there are grave concerns over where the club is headed.
Knights players during the loss against Parramatta. Getty
“I don’t even know how to help Newcastle,” he said on BTFU’s 180 Podcast.
“I’d hate to be in that inner sanctum now, the vibe would be like a funeral.
“The whole thing around him is the $2 million payout. I don’t think many other coaches, the way they’re going and position they’re in, would have survived as 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 currently has a 45 per cent winning record as a head coach with the Knights, who haven’t won a premiership in more than two decades.
The pressure on the coach comes as the rumours about Kalyn Ponga wanting out of the club refuse to go away as the fullback heads into State of Origin camp.
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