Who will be the next Newcastle Knights coach? Assessing NRL options amid Adam O'Brien exit reports

Joshua Mayne

Who will be the next Newcastle Knights coach? Assessing NRL options amid Adam O'Brien exit reports image

The Knights are set to search for a new coach.

With reports emerging that Adam O'Brien will depart at the end of 2025, Newcastle will have a crucial vacancy to fill.

Who are the contenders for the job?

The Sporting News compiles some of the leading candidates.

MORE: Every side’s lineup for Round 20

Who will be the next Newcastle Knights coach?

Josh Hannay

Hannay has been linked with multiple potential coaching vacancies this season, including the Knights and Titans.

He has been an assistant coach at the Sharks since late 2021, notably serving as the interim head coach before Craig Fitzgibbon's appointment.

The 45-year-old is also part of Queensland's coaching set-up and helped the state achieve an impressive recent Origin series victory. 

Former Cronulla player Wade Graham sung Hannay's praises in 2023 on Sporting News' Ebbs and Flows, labelling him the "next young gun coach".

Willie Peters

Peters is making waves in the Super League, and could be destined for an NRL move.

The Australian took charge of Hull KR in 2023 before taking the club to the grand final the following season.

He was also named the league's Coach of the Year in 2024.

Just last month, he guided Hull KR to their first major trophy in 40 years with a Challenge Cup final victory over Warrington.

"I really do believe Willie (Peters) is ready to coach in the NRL," his agent, Braith Anasta, told Code Sports recently.

"Just watching what he has done with Hull KR is extraordinary."

Brad Arthur

With Mal Meninga taking the Perth expansion club job, Arthur will have to look elsewhere for an NRL gig.

He was sacked by the Eels last year before joining Super League outfit Leeds on a short-term deal. 

This contract was then extended to cover the full 2025 season, although he has expressed his desire to return to Australia. 

Arthur's experience a 52 per cent career win rate make his a solid option.

Blake Green

If the Knights want a relatively smooth transition of power, hiring assistant coach Green is a possibility.

The former journeyman playmaker concluded his career in Newcastle before transitioning to coaching.

He was appointed the head coach of the inaugural Knights NRLW side, but accepted a position as an assistant with the men's team before the delayed women's campaign begun.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News currently based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and a journalist at Ministry of Sport. Joshua specialises in rugby league, motorsport and tennis. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.