The search is over and although it may be a choice some Newcastle Knights fans wanted, Adam O’Brien has been handpicked as their new head coach.
O’Brien comes with all the pedigree you would want for a first time coach stepping into the hot seat.
He has served under two elite modern coaches in Craig Bellamy and Trent Robinson for several years now.
In the end, the club determined that O’Brien was their man from a list of lengthy candidates.
“We are very excited to have Adam coming in as Head Coach,” Mr Phil Gardner, Knights club Chairman said.
“Aside from quality coaching, we want quality people within the organisation and Adam ticks all of those boxes.
“Adam has had extensive experience in development and transition programs, along with his experience in leading premiership winning clubs.”
Gardiner was quick to praise the Sydney Roosters for their role in allowing the move to happen so quickly.
“We’d like to thank the Roosters and in particular, Trent Robinson, for allowing Adam to go through this process.
“There is nothing better for us, then to have Adam come to the Knights from a premiership winning system.”
O’Brien is excited by what he has seen from the Knights club and praised their extensive nursery.
“The Knights are a strong Club with a significant and passionate supporter base through the Hunter region and beyond,” the soon to be Knights coach said.
“They have stability off the field via the Wests Group and a rich nursery of junior talent.
“I have been patient throughout my coaching career, but the time is right to make this move and all of these attributes made the move to Newcastle an easy decision.”
With what many deem as a strong roster, O’Brien looks forward to working with them all.
“The playing list excites me and the Hunter community excites me,” O’Brien continued.
”There is a lot to look forward to.”