Adam O’Brien’s future at the Newcastle Knights is set to be decided at a board meeting on Tuesday evening, at which it is expected the club will part ways with the coach after six seasons in charge.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity told the Herald that O’Brien has indicated to Knights powerbrokers he is willing to walk away at the end of this season, despite having two years to run on his deal.
That proposal will be put to the board at Tuesday night’s meeting, where it will be decided whether to stick with the coach or agree to a settlement deal that will seal his departure at the end of the season.
O’Brien is entitled to an 18-month pay-out if his contract is terminated, but a 12-month settlement has been negotiated if the Knights decide to exercise the opportunity to part company with the coach after six seasons at the helm.
As reported last month, O’Brien’s assistant coach Blake Green is the frontrunner to take over as head coach.
The Knights were also interested in Queensland and Cronulla assistant coach Josh Hannay, who has since signed a three-year deal to replace Des Hasler at the Gold Coast Titans.
The pressure is on Knights coach Adam O’Brien.Credit: Getty Images
There is a push within the Knights for Green to take over next season. Green, who has the same manager (Isaac Moses) as O’Brien, is the team’s attack coach and is highly regarded by officials and players alike, despite the team’s struggles with the ball in 2025. The club is impressed with his football nous, his man management and his connection with the players.
O’Brien has led the team to four finals appearances but injuries to key players and roster management issues have hindered his ability to build on a promising start to his tenure at the club.