Knights’ win streak earns O’Brien bumper extension to become club’s longest-serving coach

Knights powerbrokers are reportedly set to hand coach Adam O’Brien an extension that will see him become the longest-serving coach in the club’s history.

O’Brien’s extension will see him remain at the helm until at least the end of 2026, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The 46-year-old’s previous contract expired at the end of the 2024 season, having joined Newcastle in 2020 after taking over from Nathan Brown.

O’Brien has led the Knights to the finals in three of his four seasons in charge and currently has 96 games under his belt as coach.

Only Malcolm Reilly (98) and Michael Hagan (154), who are both premiership-winning coaches, have more than the Knights’ current boss.

O’Brien is in line to become the club’s longest serving coach during the 2026 season, earning a huge reward for a remarkable 2023 campaign.

The Knights were sitting in 14th place in June but turned their fortunes around and went on a 10-game winning streak off the back of fullback Kalyn Ponga’s brilliant performances.

O’Brien’s job was on the line following the horror start and reports emerged that Knights powerbrokers had even interviewed potential coaching candidates to take over.

The run included a finals win against the Raiders before they were bundled out of the premiership race in week two against the Warriors.

Ponga’s form earnt him the Dally M Medal, pipping New Zealand halfback Shaun Johnson at the post in a tight leaderboard.

Meanwhile, the Knights have reportedly also received a big boost with dummy-half Jayden Brailey in line for a pre-season return after a knee reconstruction.