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Find your Sport Nation frequencyThe candidates in line to replace Adam O'Brien
Charles Goodsir • July 15th, 2025 12:50 pm
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has listed the three candidates he believes are most likely to assume the Newcastle coaching position if the Knights are to move on from Adam O’Brien.
Reports surfaced on Monday that Newcastle were set to move on O’Brien who has been at the helm for six years. O’Brien has made the finals on four occasions in his five full seasons in charge.
Riccio believes there is an individual who could potentially salvage the fractured relationship between the Knights and their marquee player Kalyn Ponga.
“The Knights know that their next appointment needs to be someone who has the best possible chance to keep Kalyn at the football club,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Blake Green, who is the current attack coach at Newcastle, is one name that continues to gain a lot of momentum.
“It could be an easy transition and there is a strong relationship with Kalyn Ponga.
“However, I think Josh Hannay is the primary, number one target for the Knights.”
Ponga has reportedly indicated a desire to leave Newcastle at the end of the season to pursue a career in rugby union in New Zealand.
“Should Newcastle fight to keep him?” SEN’s Greg Alexander asked.
“My personal opinion is no,” Riccio replied.
“At his best, he’s an absolute gun but for what you’re paying him and what you’re getting, it’s not stacking up.
“This season; 13 games, season over. 16 games last year, 20 games the year before and 14 games the year prior.
“He has trouble staying on the field. The impact oN this football team isn’t there for excess of $1 million.
“I don’t fight for him. There’s more areas of concern for Newcastle than just fullback.”
There is speculation that former Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur could be jettisoned into the role given both his sons, Jake and Matt, are contracted to Newcastle.
However, Riccio believes it is because of these connections that Arthur will not take on the role as head coach of the Knights.
“His two sons are now there (and) I don’t think he’s a chance to be there whilst his sons are there,
“In the past, he has felt uncomfortable coaching Jake at Parramatta.
“Jake went to Manly to get away from Brad. They love each other but it just wasn’t working.
“If Brad were to walk into Newcastle, it would be all on again.”
“If Brad were to walk into Newcastle, it would be all on again.”
Newcastle currently sit 13th on the ladder with a 6-11 record. Their 251 points for the season is the worst in the competition.
The Knights host the Warriors on Sunday.
