The division in the Newcastle dressing room has simmered in recent months with Knights manager Adam O’Brien telling the playing group after a recent defeat: “I know what you’re saying about me. I’m not going anywhere.”
O’Brien’s blank message may be revealed as the Knights enter damage control following the coach’s press conference last Sunday.
O’Brien faced the media again on Tuesday in an attempt to turn things off the cliff, but by then the cracks in the Newcastle dressing room had been wide open.
The David Klemmer situation has only driven another wedge into the struggling club who have managed just five wins from 19 games this year.
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The Knights started this season full of optimism after back-to-back wins over the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers before facing a seven-game losing streak heading into the Magic Round.
It’s been a slim pickings since Newcastle now have the worst defensive record in the NRL leaking 522 points at an average of 27.47 points per game and currently have the competition’s worst margin of minus 238 points.
There is no doubt that O’Brien’s penchant for burst is wearing thin with elements of Newcastle’s playing group.
The problem for O’Brien is that it’s much easier to get rid of a head coach in 2022 than it is to try to completely change a roster.
The old saying goes that you’ve never been a head coach until you’ve lost four games in a row and the heat is on, which is exactly where O’Brien is right now.
‘IN A POINT OF UNCOOL’: Knights at a Crossroads, O’Brien Feels to Run the ‘Soft Ship’
David Klemmer’s future at Newcastle is clouded. NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph
The Knights are confident O’Brien will continue as head coach next season, but the biggest immediate challenge facing the Newcastle manager is getting the playing group back on the same page.
New director of football Peter Parr has arrived at Newcastle and could only be shaking his head at the bun fight he’s been involved in.
O’Brien is signed to Newcastle until the end of 2024, which if the Knights stay the course would mean he has had a five-year tenure at the club.
After the events of last week, it is now abundantly clear that the Knights manager needs a quick start to next season to ensure his own job security.
Let’s call Klemmer’s Newcastle play for what it is: the Knights are clearly trying to free up money to try and go in a different direction next season.
Klemmer is over $800,000, which would give Newcastle some money to hit the open market.
Many ex-players are happy to tell you that centre-forwards often protest being dragged off the pitch.
Newcastle have made it clear that they no longer want the ex-NSW and All-Australian at the Knights and have therefore started the process to steer him to another club.
Adam O’Brien has come under scrutiny this week. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
THE ROOSTERS move to shut down the walker
The Sydney Roosters are set to launch a multimillion-dollar move aimed at keeping young halfback Sam Walker at the Tricolors long-term.
Walker, 20, will be a free agent for rival clubs to approach from November 1, but like all good clubs, the Roosters will try to get him to a deal early.
The other rookie that has everyone talking in the Chooks is rising superstar Joseph Suaalii. The Roosters clearly value his contribution to the team to the extent that leading champion Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has brought him to lead the club’s team song over the past fortnight.
Jared has long been the leader of the Roosters in charge of directing the team song. Even after the Roosters were disappointed with their Round 20 win over Manly, JWH still insisted Suaalii rode with a shot with him leading the celebrations.
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Nofoaluma promises to honor the agreement of the Tigers | 01:16
DRAGONS CHASE GALLS HOOKER
THE Gold Coast Titans are not the only club having a crack at signing Sydney Roosters hooker Sam Verrills.
The St George Illawarra Dragons are also making a play for the first edition winning No.9.
Where it gets interesting is that the Dragons have had a tough conversation with current hooker Andrew McCullough.
McCullough, 32, still has a year to run on his contract next season, but the Red V are clearly exploring going in a different direction.
McCullough is one of the ex-Broncos of Dragons players who enjoys a close relationship with Red V coach Anthony Griffin.
Whore, Dragons captain Ben Hunt and Josh Maguire played in an under-20s grand final for the Broncos in 2008 when Griffin was manager.
“That’s what gives me the shit!” | 02:04
FARAH PASSES HIS HANDS IN TIGER’S DIRECTION
The Wests Tigers getting the gang back together with Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah is a smart move from the struggling club.
What is equally astute is Farah’s new contract which stipulates that he must also learn in terms of front office administration with the club.
Rival clubs have long laughed at the Tigers for the way the club has been run.
Getting a figure like Farah who has bled more for the club in that department makes a lot of sense.
SOUTHS MOVE TO KEEP LATRELL, CODY AT REDFERN
Last week we told you how South Sydney had a delicate balance of $6 million on their hands around the signings of superstar flanker Latrell Mitchell and star five-eighth Cody Walker.
We were told there was a strong possibility the two key position players would wait until after November 1 to recommit to South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs have moved quickly to try and cut the stage short by reuniting with the star duo earlier this week.
Both Latrell and Cody are out of contract at the end of next season, but with talks progressing positively, there is a good chance they could soon re-commit to the Bunnies.
It will be a huge blow for the red and green club and also for CEO Blake Solly.