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O'Brien all class as he confirms reasons for Knights exit
Charles Goodsir • August 28th, 2025 12:34 pm
Adam O’Brien has fronted the media to confirm he will be stepping away as head coach of the Newcastle Knights.
After days of speculation and rumour, O’Brien announced his departure on Thursday morning explaining he felt his future was taking focus away from the team.
After a difficult 2025 season in which the club have won only six games, the 47-year-old acknowledged that it was time for a fresh voice.
“All coaches reflect on their seasons when you get to the back end of the year and you always start by asking yourself if you’re the right person for the squad,” O’Brien told the media in his press conference.
“I approached the club and they understood.
“It’s been made easier because both parties are in agreement that it’s the right time.
It was after the Warriors game where we lost confidence.
“This team needed confidence. The one thing that stood out for me is that I was a big distraction. We would have to win 15 games next year to avoid speculation.
“To remove that distraction, that’s the right thing to do. If I can’t win a competition, the way to help them now is to give the new coach time to work with the players.
“It’s hard (to step away) because I love the town and the club.
“There are great memories so this isn’t a sad time for me at all. I’m proud.
“I think the club is in a great position on and off the field. It’s a strong and competitive team for next year (and) I don’t want to be a hindrance.
“I spoke to the players personally and they understood. They’ll get over it pretty quickly but they’ve been great to me. I’ve had a lot of messages and hugs.
“There’s great support in this town. They aren’t fans because fans jump off pretty quick. These people in Newcastle are supporters.
“There’s no doubt I got a heap wrong but I hope people see that there was a guy who was incredibly passionate as well.
“Coaching this team has been the greatest honour of my life. I’m a better coach than when I first arrived at the joint.”
Newcastle Knights and Wests Group CEO Philip Gardner issued a statement to thank O’Brien and acknowledged his achievements during his tenure as coach.
“I would like to thank Adam for his hard work and dedication to our club,” said Gardner.
“Under his leadership, the Knights returned to playing finals football for the first time since 2013, for 4 out of his 6 years in charge.
“Under his leadership, the Knights returned to playing finals football for the first time since 2013, for 4 out of his 6 years in charge.
“In 2023, our NRL team finished in fifth place, delivering an unforgettable home semifinal victory in front of a sold-out McDonald Jones Stadium, creating scenes not witnessed in Newcastle for over 20 years. In his time at the club, the sold-out sign at McDonald Jones Stadium has been a regular feature.
“Adam will depart after 144 games as Knights Head Coach, sitting second on the all-time list behind Michael Hagan. We wish Adam and Sharyn all the very best for the future.”
O’Brien will coach the final two games of the season starting with the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday at Sharks Stadium.
“I’m mindful that we’ve got the Cronulla Sharks this week and we have a job to do,” O’Brien added.
