LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Adam O'Brien, the head coach of the Newcastle Knights, may have some job security despite facing challenges during his time in the Hunter.
A report from zerotackle.com has revealed that the club would need to pay O'Brien a hefty $2 million payout if they were to dismiss him.
Despite facing some rocky moments, O'Brien has led the Knights to qualify for the finals in four of the last five years, with the team making impressive second-half-of-the-year runs to secure a spot in the top eight in the last two seasons.
One key factor in the team's success has been the return of star player Kalyn Ponga from early-season injuries or concussions, which seemed to ignite Newcastle's climb up the ladder.
This success was significant enough for the club to extend O'Brien's contract until the end of 2027.
Journalist Michael Carayannis revealed on NRL 360 that there are no clauses in O'Brien's deal that would allow the payout to be reduced, indicating that the $2 million payout would still hold if the club were to part ways with him.
Despite facing some scrutiny and pressure at points during his tenure, O'Brien's contract terms suggest that the club may be willing to give him additional time to continue making progress with the team.
The financial implications of the $2 million payout may also factor into the decision-making process, as it would be a substantial cost for the club to absorb.
As a result, O'Brien may have some level of security in his role for the time being, allowing him to focus on leading the Knights towards further success in the future.