Knights Struggle for Confidence and Consistency Following O’Brien’s Departure…..
The Newcastle Knights have endured a turbulent period since the departure of former head coach Adam O’Brien, with the club struggling to regain confidence and form on the field. Once considered a competitive force in the NRL, the Knights now find themselves in the midst of a confidence crisis that has translated into a string of disappointing defeats.
O’Brien’s exit left a noticeable void in leadership, and the team has yet to find stability under interim management. Players appear unsettled, with performances lacking the structure and resilience that were once trademarks under his tenure. Fans have voiced growing frustration, pointing to the team’s repeated errors, defensive lapses, and inability to close out tight contests as signs of a deeper problem.
Since O’Brien’s departure, the Knights have slumped to several consecutive losses, slipping further down the ladder and edging closer to the dreaded wooden spoon battle. What was once seen as a transition period has instead snowballed into a worrying decline, with morale visibly low across the squad. Senior players have admitted in recent weeks that confidence within the camp has “taken a hit,” while younger members of the side appear to be struggling with the added pressure.
Club insiders suggest that until a permanent coaching appointment is made, the Knights may continue to wrestle with inconsistency and self-belief. While the season is far from over, the path forward looks increasingly difficult unless the squad can rally together and rediscover the spirit that once made them a dangerous opponent.
For the Newcastle faithful, patience is wearing thin. The hope remains that a fresh direction, renewed leadership, and an injection of confidence can help the club arrest its slump and restore pride to the jersey before the season slips away completely.
