O’Brien’s future rocked as Knights meet axed NRL coach

The Newcastle Knights have reportedly made a shock move to interview sacked Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook as pressure mounts on Adam O’Brien despite a run of solid form.

After dismantling Canberra on Saturday with a 28-6 win, the Knights have won four in a row with victories over the Storm, Tigers, Bulldogs and Raiders.

9news reporter Michael Chammas explained the meeting with Holbrook came around the same time O’Brien’s management requested an extension.

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“There’s a big story developing out at Newcastle around the coach, we know his head was on the chopping block six weeks ago, but the Knights have now won four in a row and are now on the edge of the eight,” he said on Nine’s Sunday afternoon NRL coverage.

“I’ve been told Adam O’Brien’s been made aware of a meeting between Knights officials and Justin Holbrook … There’s talk around whether or not he will see out the 2024 season of his contract, his management have gone to the club this week seeking an extra year or seeking extension beyond 2024.

“The club at the moment, they want to park discussions around Adam O’Brien and see how the year plays out, but no doubt a lot of talk around his future.”

Knights legend Andrew Johns said O’Brien should be extended.

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“He deserves another year, for a fair chunk of the year to start with Kalyn Ponga was out, since Kalyn’s come back and playing fullback it’s a different team … He’s the man to let the club move forward,” he said.

“I think he should be coach, I think they should extend him, give him another year and get it done the next couple of weeks.”

O’Brien’s arrival at the Knights came in similar circumstances when former coach Nathan Brown learned of a meeting between him and former recruitment manager Troy Pezet.

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