Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien is under pressure again.
After starting the season with two straight wins, the Knights have now slumped to a 3-7 record and find themselves 15th on the ladder.
They have also scored just 128 points in 2025 – the fewest of any team in the NRL.
O'Brien finds himself in the hot seat, although his future is reportedly safe until at least the end of the year.
MORE: Daley explains May snub
According to Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas, the Knights aren't considering parting ways with their coach due to a pay-out in his contract.
Contracted until the end of 2027, O'Brien would receive at least $2 million if his current deal were terminated.
"They do not want to pay him out – it's $2 million, maybe a little bit more, he's got a full pay-out at the Knights," Chammas said on 100% Footy.
"There are alarm bells the way they are playing, but he'll be given until the end of this year to turn it around with the Knights."
It comes amid reports that star fullback Kalyn Ponga could become unsettled if Newcastle's poor form continues.
"Newcastle in the background are worried about what this means for the future of Kalyn Ponga," Chammas added.
"Nothing has happened yet, and they'll deny it, but there is definitely a feeling at Newcastle that Kalyn Ponga, if things continue the way they're going, may come knocking at the end of the year looking for the exit door.
"That's the main concern around the Knights ... how they [can] create an environment where Kalyn Ponga doesn't think he's wasting his best years at the Newcastle Knights."
The Knights' next test is a Round 12 battle with the Panthers.
They will notably be without Ponga, who is away at Maroons camp after earning the No.1 jersey for Queensland's Origin opener.
His absence will be compounded by the injuries to outside backs Greg Marzhew and Bradman Best.