Adam O\u2019Brien admits it\u2019s a \u201ckick in the guts\u201d to have his job become the subject of a media circus, insisting he remains the right man to coach Newcastle.<\/p>\n
His future has come under question across six NRL seasons at the Knights but the mentor was nevertheless taken aback by reports this week that claimed management had all but decided he would be fired after 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a little bit of a shock on the Monday,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, since then, I can honestly say I haven\u2019t let it consume me one bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Injury-hit Newcastle has regressed from elimination finalists in 2024 to this season\u2019s worst attacking side by the numbers.<\/p>\n
Reports have claimed only a late resurgence will save O\u2019Brien\u2019s job, however that rise would have to come without injured talismans Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Lucas and Kalyn Ponga.<\/p>\n
Ponga himself quashed rumours that he could be on his way out of the Hunter earlier this week.<\/p>\n
Coach O\u2019Brien understood pressure came with the territory of being an NRL coach but said it had been affecting those close to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re put in a position where you understand that there\u2019s going to be pressure. A lot rides on winning footy games,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not ideal for your loved ones and your family, and friends. It affects them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be human if you probably get a little bit sick of being kicked in the guts.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, at the end of the day, (worrying) is not going to help the playing group.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is always at the forefront of my mind: Do my bit to help these boys win footy games.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien has taken the Knights to finals in four of his previous five seasons in charge, only missing out in 2022, for a 44.9% win record all up.<\/p>\n
But, Newcastle only appeared a chance at the premiership as dark horses in 2023, when they reached the second week of the play-offs.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien would not confirm whether he had addressed the media reports with Knights management, only saying he still believed he was the right man to coach the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDealing in speculation from media outlets isn\u2019t helpful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve just taken the approach that I\u2019m the coach of the club right now, I haven\u2019t wavered in my commitment or my work ethic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a deep honour for me to be the coach of the club and I just present every day like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien is adamant the headlines will not distract the Newcastle playing group from Sunday\u2019s home game against the depleted Warriors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe team was quite clear that none of that will affect our performance on the weekend. We won\u2019t let it be a distraction,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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