Knights coach sorry for criticising frustrated fans
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team.
It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal.
Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back.
Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games.
At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end".
On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference.
"I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said.
"That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people.
"I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended."
Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night.
O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated.
"Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said.
"They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about."
O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league.
The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss.
Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season.
"They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said.
"I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts.
"Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them."
Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season.
The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team.
It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal.
Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back.
Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games.
At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end".
On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference.
"I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said.
"That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people.
"I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended."
Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night.
O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated.
"Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said.
"They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about."
O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league.
The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss.
Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season.
"They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said.
"I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts.
"Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them."
Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season.
The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team.
It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal.
Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back.
Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games.
At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end".
On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference.
"I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said.
"That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people.
"I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended."
Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night.
O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated.
"Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said.
"They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about."
O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league.
The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss.
Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season.
"They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said.
"I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts.
"Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them."
Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season.
The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
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The Advertiser
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'Special': 475 stadium staff to don beanies for annual NRL round
McDonald Jones Stadium will be a sea of purple and grey on Friday for the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round. All 475 stadium staff, including security guards, ticket attendants and food and beverage workers, will don a beanie when the Knights take on the Raiders at home. The bulk purchase equates to more than $10,000 raised for the Mark Hughes Foundation. It's the first time stadium owner Venues NSW has bought beanies for all staff, having supported the fundraiser in other ways in previous years. "When it all started to really kick off, we used to put the beanie sign out on the front of the venue and rename the stadium for beanie round," Mr Mantle said. "That was obviously great for building awareness when it was required, but as the foundation has grown, it's now naturally recognised, so it probably hasn't got the cut through that it used to have. "We looked at an opportunity to see how we could better reinvest that funding. "The best way we thought we could do that was to invest in the beanies, so we've purchased a beanie for every single event staff." Mark Hughes said he was very grateful for the support. "To see every staff member wearing our beanies here next Friday night will just make it that much more special," he said. The event will also be boosted by the arrival of participants on the annual Big Three trek, who walk from Sydney to McDonald Jones Stadium over three days, as well as Scott Hingston, who is running 1100km from Melbourne to Newcastle. Both initiatives have each raised more than $50,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Hughes said the beanies fundraiser had gone from strength to strength each year. "We've come a long way," he said. "We've learned so much, and without the support of the good people who buy our beanies and support us in different ways, it doesn't happen." "I just see the beanies everywhere. People walk on the beach, walk on the streets. It's really overwhelming to see the support out there. "It's all about giving hope to brain cancer. So, people wearing their old beanies, people buying new beanies, it really is special." Mr Mantle is expecting a solid crowd for the much-loved NRL round. "Fortunately for us at the moment, the Knights are very well supported," he said. "We're on an average of just below 20,000 per game. So I'd expect well above 20,000. "I hope everybody comes in with the beanie on or if they don't have already have one, they purchase one on the night. I think it'll be amazing. "It's incredible to see how big this has gotten, and no doubt it could get so much bigger thanks to the work that Mark and Kirralee do with the foundation." McDonald Jones Stadium will be a sea of purple and grey on Friday for the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round. All 475 stadium staff, including security guards, ticket attendants and food and beverage workers, will don a beanie when the Knights take on the Raiders at home. The bulk purchase equates to more than $10,000 raised for the Mark Hughes Foundation. It's the first time stadium owner Venues NSW has bought beanies for all staff, having supported the fundraiser in other ways in previous years. "When it all started to really kick off, we used to put the beanie sign out on the front of the venue and rename the stadium for beanie round," Mr Mantle said. "That was obviously great for building awareness when it was required, but as the foundation has grown, it's now naturally recognised, so it probably hasn't got the cut through that it used to have. "We looked at an opportunity to see how we could better reinvest that funding. "The best way we thought we could do that was to invest in the beanies, so we've purchased a beanie for every single event staff." Mark Hughes said he was very grateful for the support. "To see every staff member wearing our beanies here next Friday night will just make it that much more special," he said. The event will also be boosted by the arrival of participants on the annual Big Three trek, who walk from Sydney to McDonald Jones Stadium over three days, as well as Scott Hingston, who is running 1100km from Melbourne to Newcastle. Both initiatives have each raised more than $50,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Hughes said the beanies fundraiser had gone from strength to strength each year. "We've come a long way," he said. "We've learned so much, and without the support of the good people who buy our beanies and support us in different ways, it doesn't happen." "I just see the beanies everywhere. People walk on the beach, walk on the streets. It's really overwhelming to see the support out there. "It's all about giving hope to brain cancer. So, people wearing their old beanies, people buying new beanies, it really is special." Mr Mantle is expecting a solid crowd for the much-loved NRL round. "Fortunately for us at the moment, the Knights are very well supported," he said. "We're on an average of just below 20,000 per game. So I'd expect well above 20,000. "I hope everybody comes in with the beanie on or if they don't have already have one, they purchase one on the night. I think it'll be amazing. "It's incredible to see how big this has gotten, and no doubt it could get so much bigger thanks to the work that Mark and Kirralee do with the foundation." McDonald Jones Stadium will be a sea of purple and grey on Friday for the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round. All 475 stadium staff, including security guards, ticket attendants and food and beverage workers, will don a beanie when the Knights take on the Raiders at home. The bulk purchase equates to more than $10,000 raised for the Mark Hughes Foundation. It's the first time stadium owner Venues NSW has bought beanies for all staff, having supported the fundraiser in other ways in previous years. "When it all started to really kick off, we used to put the beanie sign out on the front of the venue and rename the stadium for beanie round," Mr Mantle said. "That was obviously great for building awareness when it was required, but as the foundation has grown, it's now naturally recognised, so it probably hasn't got the cut through that it used to have. "We looked at an opportunity to see how we could better reinvest that funding. "The best way we thought we could do that was to invest in the beanies, so we've purchased a beanie for every single event staff." Mark Hughes said he was very grateful for the support. "To see every staff member wearing our beanies here next Friday night will just make it that much more special," he said. The event will also be boosted by the arrival of participants on the annual Big Three trek, who walk from Sydney to McDonald Jones Stadium over three days, as well as Scott Hingston, who is running 1100km from Melbourne to Newcastle. Both initiatives have each raised more than $50,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Hughes said the beanies fundraiser had gone from strength to strength each year. "We've come a long way," he said. "We've learned so much, and without the support of the good people who buy our beanies and support us in different ways, it doesn't happen." "I just see the beanies everywhere. People walk on the beach, walk on the streets. It's really overwhelming to see the support out there. "It's all about giving hope to brain cancer. So, people wearing their old beanies, people buying new beanies, it really is special." Mr Mantle is expecting a solid crowd for the much-loved NRL round. "Fortunately for us at the moment, the Knights are very well supported," he said. "We're on an average of just below 20,000 per game. So I'd expect well above 20,000. "I hope everybody comes in with the beanie on or if they don't have already have one, they purchase one on the night. I think it'll be amazing. "It's incredible to see how big this has gotten, and no doubt it could get so much bigger thanks to the work that Mark and Kirralee do with the foundation." McDonald Jones Stadium will be a sea of purple and grey on Friday for the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round. All 475 stadium staff, including security guards, ticket attendants and food and beverage workers, will don a beanie when the Knights take on the Raiders at home. The bulk purchase equates to more than $10,000 raised for the Mark Hughes Foundation. It's the first time stadium owner Venues NSW has bought beanies for all staff, having supported the fundraiser in other ways in previous years. "When it all started to really kick off, we used to put the beanie sign out on the front of the venue and rename the stadium for beanie round," Mr Mantle said. "That was obviously great for building awareness when it was required, but as the foundation has grown, it's now naturally recognised, so it probably hasn't got the cut through that it used to have. "We looked at an opportunity to see how we could better reinvest that funding. "The best way we thought we could do that was to invest in the beanies, so we've purchased a beanie for every single event staff." Mark Hughes said he was very grateful for the support. "To see every staff member wearing our beanies here next Friday night will just make it that much more special," he said. The event will also be boosted by the arrival of participants on the annual Big Three trek, who walk from Sydney to McDonald Jones Stadium over three days, as well as Scott Hingston, who is running 1100km from Melbourne to Newcastle. Both initiatives have each raised more than $50,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Hughes said the beanies fundraiser had gone from strength to strength each year. "We've come a long way," he said. "We've learned so much, and without the support of the good people who buy our beanies and support us in different ways, it doesn't happen." "I just see the beanies everywhere. People walk on the beach, walk on the streets. It's really overwhelming to see the support out there. "It's all about giving hope to brain cancer. So, people wearing their old beanies, people buying new beanies, it really is special." Mr Mantle is expecting a solid crowd for the much-loved NRL round. "Fortunately for us at the moment, the Knights are very well supported," he said. "We're on an average of just below 20,000 per game. So I'd expect well above 20,000. "I hope everybody comes in with the beanie on or if they don't have already have one, they purchase one on the night. I think it'll be amazing. "It's incredible to see how big this has gotten, and no doubt it could get so much bigger thanks to the work that Mark and Kirralee do with the foundation."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
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Lawton facing ban for tackle that injured Rooster
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Only Manly prop Tof Sipley has been given a higher grading this NRL season, referred straight to the judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that injured St George Illawarra's Mat Feagai in April. With a clean recent record, Lawton can accept a two-match ban with an early plea or risk a third game on the sidelines if he elects to fight the grading. But the significant difference in the way the tackle was viewed is likely to raise eyebrows. Roosters coach Trent Robinson refused to delve into his thoughts on Sunday saying he hadn't seen it properly. In the Nine Network's coverage, Andrew Johns was highly critical of the contact. "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns said. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. "A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. "And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." In better news for the Tricolours, five-eighth Sandon Smith has been cleared of any knee damage after leaving the field early in the win over the Cowboys. The Roosters have the bye this week, but Smith will be fine to face Wests Tigers in a fortnight. Elsewhere, Parramatta have copped a double blow at the judiciary with hooker Ryley Smith and centre Will Penisini both facing suspensions. Smith is set to cop a two-week ban for his dangerous throw on Phillip Sami in the win over Gold Coast, while Penisini is facing three matches out for one on Beau Fermor. Both were handed grade-two charges with Penisini sin-binned for his tackle. Penisini's extra week is due to a prior charge on his record. The NRL referees' handling of foul play is back in the spotlight, with Karl Lawton handed one of the most serious charges of the year despite not being penalised for a third-man in tackle that injured Siua Wong. Sydney Roosters second-rower Wong will miss up to six weeks after scans confirmed a medial ligament tear, following contact from Lawton on Sunday. The North Queensland forward was not reprimanded during the 42-8 loss, despite referee Ashley Klein and bunker officials having time to review the incident. Lawton was then hit with a grade-three dangerous contact charge on Monday, the highest possible grading without referring him straight to the judiciary. Lawton's charge is only the second grade-three charge for any offence this season, after Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi copped the same punishment for dangerous contact on Cowboy Tom Duffy last week. Only Manly prop Tof Sipley has been given a higher grading this NRL season, referred straight to the judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that injured St George Illawarra's Mat Feagai in April. With a clean recent record, Lawton can accept a two-match ban with an early plea or risk a third game on the sidelines if he elects to fight the grading. But the significant difference in the way the tackle was viewed is likely to raise eyebrows. Roosters coach Trent Robinson refused to delve into his thoughts on Sunday saying he hadn't seen it properly. In the Nine Network's coverage, Andrew Johns was highly critical of the contact. "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns said. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. "A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. "And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." In better news for the Tricolours, five-eighth Sandon Smith has been cleared of any knee damage after leaving the field early in the win over the Cowboys. The Roosters have the bye this week, but Smith will be fine to face Wests Tigers in a fortnight. Elsewhere, Parramatta have copped a double blow at the judiciary with hooker Ryley Smith and centre Will Penisini both facing suspensions. Smith is set to cop a two-week ban for his dangerous throw on Phillip Sami in the win over Gold Coast, while Penisini is facing three matches out for one on Beau Fermor. Both were handed grade-two charges with Penisini sin-binned for his tackle. Penisini's extra week is due to a prior charge on his record. The NRL referees' handling of foul play is back in the spotlight, with Karl Lawton handed one of the most serious charges of the year despite not being penalised for a third-man in tackle that injured Siua Wong. Sydney Roosters second-rower Wong will miss up to six weeks after scans confirmed a medial ligament tear, following contact from Lawton on Sunday. The North Queensland forward was not reprimanded during the 42-8 loss, despite referee Ashley Klein and bunker officials having time to review the incident. Lawton was then hit with a grade-three dangerous contact charge on Monday, the highest possible grading without referring him straight to the judiciary. Lawton's charge is only the second grade-three charge for any offence this season, after Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi copped the same punishment for dangerous contact on Cowboy Tom Duffy last week. Only Manly prop Tof Sipley has been given a higher grading this NRL season, referred straight to the judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that injured St George Illawarra's Mat Feagai in April. With a clean recent record, Lawton can accept a two-match ban with an early plea or risk a third game on the sidelines if he elects to fight the grading. But the significant difference in the way the tackle was viewed is likely to raise eyebrows. Roosters coach Trent Robinson refused to delve into his thoughts on Sunday saying he hadn't seen it properly. In the Nine Network's coverage, Andrew Johns was highly critical of the contact. "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns said. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. "A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. "And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." In better news for the Tricolours, five-eighth Sandon Smith has been cleared of any knee damage after leaving the field early in the win over the Cowboys. The Roosters have the bye this week, but Smith will be fine to face Wests Tigers in a fortnight. Elsewhere, Parramatta have copped a double blow at the judiciary with hooker Ryley Smith and centre Will Penisini both facing suspensions. Smith is set to cop a two-week ban for his dangerous throw on Phillip Sami in the win over Gold Coast, while Penisini is facing three matches out for one on Beau Fermor. Both were handed grade-two charges with Penisini sin-binned for his tackle. Penisini's extra week is due to a prior charge on his record.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Zac Lomax prepared for boos from Dragons fans as he returns to Wollongong in Eels colours
Parramatta star Zac Lomax knows exactly what to expect as he prepares for a return to Wollongong this weekend. He also knows that the result is far more important than silencing any of the jeers that come his way. 'Oh, what do you think,' Lomax said when asked whether he expected to be booed by Dragons fans. 'That's footy. I'm not the only person that's been in this situation. I'm sure it will be weird. I'm sure I won't get a real nice reception there, but that's the way that it goes. 'They're all my good mates down there and they'll be some of my best mates forever you know. 'We have a job to do. I want to go down there and put in a good performance. It's going to be a good test for us.' • SAINT, SINNER, SHOOSH: SCHUSTER TAKES INDEFINITE BREAK FROM NRL Lomax left the Dragons at the end of last season in a blaze of controversy and he had a game to remember when he played against his former club earlier this year. On that occasion, Lomax stepped up and nailed a field goal in golden point to give the Eels a win over St George Illawarra. That game was at CommBank Stadium, where Lomax has quickly become a fan favourite. He was once feted by Dragons fans as well at WIN Stadium but a move to the Eels changed that and there seems little doubt he will be in the eye of the storm on Saturday night. Asked whether it would be emotional given it will mark the first time he has played at WIN Stadium in anything other than a Dragons jersey, Lomax said: 'To be fair, I don't even know. They're in a very similar boat to us where they have to win. 'You completely try to take the emotion out of it because the emotion can affect your game I guess positively and negatively.' The Eels will arrive in Wollongong with their spirits lifted after a big win over the Gold Coast, a result that gave them a buffer over the Titans at the foot of the ladder. Lomax kicked six goals from as many attempts against the Titans, exorcising the demons from the second State of Origin game in Perth when his goal-kicking radar was awry. Asked whether he felt any responsibility for the Blues defeat, Lomax replied: 'Oh man, it's easy to look at it that way because it's two points. 'For me I pride myself on being a good goalkicker as well. So for me, it was not ideal. We're in situations like that, that's, that's Origin. 'The thing is I probably couldn't have struck them any better, they just stayed out. That's the way that footy goes.'
