Newcastle Knights chairman Geoff Coburn has publicly backed Adam O’Brien to see out his contract, insisting the club has not even discussed removing the under-pressure head coach.
O’Brien, who is contracted until the end of 2026, has faced mounting speculation over his future during a season in which Newcastle have struggled for attacking spark and battled a crippling injury list.
With the Knights staring at a likely bottom-four finish, names such as Josh Hannay and Blake Green have been floated as potential replacements.
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‘I fully expect he will see out his contract’
Speaking to The Newcastle Herald, Coburn acknowledged the disappointment around the club’s campaign but said context was important.
“It's been a really disappointing season for the club and our fans, but we came into this year knowing it was going to be very challenging with our roster and a lack of depth,” he told The Newcastle Herald. “All the injuries, particularly to key players, have made it that much harder.”
“Adam is a good coach – he's proven that here already, and I fully expect he will see out his contract. We haven't even spoken about his position.”
While the 2025 finals are out of reach, Newcastle are undergoing a significant roster shake-up, with Dylan Brown arriving next year and several departures confirmed. For O’Brien, it could prove a final chance to reassert his credentials in the Hunter.