Newcastle Knights Near Early Exit For Coach O'Brien Amid Struggles

Adam O'Brien's future as Newcastle Knights coach is uncertain as the club is struggling and fighting to avoid finishing last in the league. Despite being contracted until the end of 2027, O'Brien has reportedly accepted a payout deal and is expected to leave before his contract ends. The club has canceled media commitments and limited player interviews amid the uncertainty, with no official announcement yet made. O'Brien led Newcastle to the finals four times since 2020, including a strong 2023 season, but this year the team has fallen significantly behind, scoring nearly 100 points less than other teams. Potential replacements include current attacking coach Blake Green, though his candidacy is complicated by the team's poor scoring record, and other candidates like Justin Holbrook, Brad Arthur, and Willie Peters have also been mentioned. The club's difficulties have been compounded by injuries and speculation over player Kalyn Ponga's future.