The Newcastle Knights are set to move into a new era, with the team reportedly planning to fire coach Adam O'Brien at the close of the season.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, O'Brien's six-year stint as the head of the team will come to an end this year, amidst another tough campaign for the Knights.
While the 47-year-old is currently under contract until 2027, the team is set to move in a new direction unless he is able to turn things around significantly in the remaining seven games.
Newcastle Knights reportedly set to sack coach at end of season
Adam O'Brien will be sacked at the end of the 2025 season, according to the SMH's Michael Chammas, with the Newcastle Knights preparing to pay out the final two years of his contract.
This comes as the team sits 13th on the ladder, with six wins and 11 losses so far this season.
The Knights coach has been on the hot seat throughout the season, and made headlines earlier this year when he was forced to apologise to fans after he lashed out at them following a loss.
"I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended, and I can understand why they’d be offended," he said.
"I was underprepared for that question. I was unaware that there had been some booing on my way down at halftime, so the first time I’d heard it was with that question, so I went straight into protection mode for our playing group.
"That’s not an excuse. I’m here to own it. That’s not how I feel about our members. I understand we’re here because of those people, and I think I’ve openly stated the opposite for a number of years that they are an educated fan base and an educated crowd.
"They sit through all sorts of weather and scorelines with unwavering loyalty, so I’m disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response to protect the playing group when I didn’t have all the facts.
"Hopefully, over time I can win back some of their respect because that’s not how I feel about them."
He now has just under two months to save his job, with assistant coach Blake Green and Cronulla assistant Josh Hannay reportedly in contention for the role.