[ad_1]
Newcastle manager Adam O'Brien faces having the final two years of his new contract cancelled if the team drop to 13th in the National Rugby League standings after the final three rounds of the season.
Newcastle's hopes of a finals appearance are on the line after a golden point loss to Cronulla last week left O'Brien's side four points off the top eight in 11th place.
The loss could have dire consequences for the future of the Knights coach, whose fate is tied to the team's position on the table as part of a contract extension he agreed to at the beginning of the year.
O'Brien's manager, Isaac Moses, reached an agreement with Knights management earlier this year to extend his contract, which was set to expire at the end of 2024, through the end of 2027.
However, the final two years depend on the team's performance, and surrendering during the final three weeks of this season could see O'Brien enter 2025 fighting to save his job.
Sources familiar with O'Brien's contract status, speaking on condition of anonymity due to confidentiality agreements, told Herald Under the terms of his contract extension, the Knights must finish 12th or higher to activate the 2027 season. There are also performance clauses affecting the 2026 season of the deal.
Adam O'Brien watches training.credit: Getty
O'Brien declined to comment when contacted. Herald On Tuesday afternoon, general manager Peter Barr was unaware of the details of the O'Brien deal, while Knights chief executive Philip Gardner declined to speculate on its terms.
“The contracts of players and staff at Newcastle Knights will remain confidential, just as your contract should remain confidential,” Gardner told Newcastle Knights. Herald.
[ad_2]
Source