Outgoing Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien says he hasn’t yet reflected on his time at the club as he prepares for his final week in charge of the Knights.
After a tumultuous week which O’Brien and the Knights announced they will part ways at the end of a disappointing 2025 season, Newcastle conceded at least 38 points for the fifth straight game in a 40-16 loss to Cronulla.
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Naturally, there was plenty of curiosity from reporters in the Knights’ post-match press conference.
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However, O’Brien said that nothing changed in the team’s preparation despite the major development.
“No different. Same as any other game. You’re riding the highs and lows. My will and desire for these boys to win is still there,” O’Brien said.
“I’m not thinking about it (leaving the club). I have that game to review and prepare for. I’ll have plenty of time to reflect on all of that later on.”
The Knights’ loss means they are still in contention to collect an unwanted wooden spoon.
“I don’t want to even think about it to tell you the truth,” O’Brien responded when asked about the wooden spoon race.
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O’Brien has been at the helm for six seasons. For four of those, Knights star Dane Gagai has played under O’Brien.
The Knights skipper gave a small tribute to O’Brien but said the playing group didn’t think too much about the distractions throughout the week.
“I don’t think it was too much emotion. I think we understood we needed to get into a good start,” Gagai said.
“I think we have a good group of guys and we knew people would want to see how we went or how we’d react but nothing has really changed as we’re all professionals.
“We can’t really be focusing too much on that. We have to finish the season strong and deal with it when the season is over.
“He’s always put everyone else before himself.
“He’s always first one in and last one to leave. He’s always trying to make us better.”
