Newcastle Knights can fire coach Adam O'Brien if team performs poorly, adding pressure to coaching role.
In a surprising twist, it has been revealed that the Newcastle Knights hold the power to boot head coach Adam O'Brien if the team finds themselves languishing in the bottom five of the NRL ladder during the final stretch of the 2024 season.
This clause, akin to a red card in a crucial match, adds an extra layer of pressure on O'Brien as he navigates the coaching realm.
O'Brien's rollercoaster ride in Newcastle saw a remarkable turnaround in the latter half of the 2023 season, akin to a team coming from behind to clinch victory in the dying moments of a game.
From potential wooden spooners to securing a spot in the top eight, with a thrilling home finals win against the Canberra Raiders followed by a roadblock against the New Zealand Warriors in the semis, O'Brien's coaching prowess was on full display.