SYDNEY Roosters assistant coach Adam O'Brien, a former Group Seven player, has officially been appointed coach of the Newcastle Knights for the next three seasons.
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O'Brien replaces Nathan Brown at the helm of the club after Brown resigned in controversial circumstances last week after four years in the job.
The impending appointment of former Batemans Bay Tiger O'Brien has been the worst kept secret in rugby league.
A former Melbourne Storm assistant, O'Brien was Craig Bellamy's righthand man for three years before joining the Roosters this year as attacking coach under Trent Robinson.
Knights CEO Philip Gardner said the club had drawn up a short-list of names to determine the best candidates in the game and securing a coach of O'Brien's ilk is the best outcome to lead the club forward.
"We are very excited to have Adam coming in as head coach," Gardner 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.
"We look forward to Adam's arrival ahead of the 2020 season."
Related content: O'Brien to be appointed coach as Brown departs Knights immediately
O'Brien started his professional coaching career as an assistant to Brad Arthur in the Melbourne under 20s side before working as a development coach for the Storm and finally spending five years alongside Craig Bellamy as an assistant.
After serving his 11-year apprenticeship at the Storm, he moved to the Sydney Roosters late last year to work alongside Trent Robinson.
"The Knights are a strong club with a significant and passionate supporter base through the Hunter region and beyond," he said.
"Once the 2019 season has concluded, I will turn my attention to Newcastle."
