Newcastle have warned their under-performing playing group that they’re on the chopping block after axing coach Rick Stone.
Chief executive Matt Gidley suggested the bloodletting would not stop at Stone, who will be replaced by club great Danny Buderus for the rest of the season, after an underwhelming 2015 in which they’ve won just six games.
Stone’s position became untenable after the Knights logged just two wins since April and the club’s board pulled the pin after their embarrassing 52-6 loss to South Sydney on Saturday.
However Gidley promised the players would also be held accountable.
The 2016 Knights squad is already shaping as vastly different to this year’s group with skipper Kurt Gidley to retire, Beau Scott on his way to Parramatta and NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson set to join Newcastle from Canterbury.
None of the Knights’ senior playing group is off-contract at the end of 2015 and Gidley hinted some players could be moved on, warning they had six rounds to prove they wanted to be at the club.
“When you get the type of performances we’ve had over a long period of time, you’ve got to look to make changes,” Gidley said.
“We can’t just sit back and tolerate poor performances over an extended period of time.
“The easy option would be to get to the end of the year and do a formal review process.
“But we feel like there’s an opportunity now for the team to use the next seven weeks to try and demonstrate some character traits that our club has been built on.”
Gidley revealed the club board had been considering Stone’s position for a number of weeks after their string of losses.
Buderus will take over as coach until the end of the year but has ruled out holding onto the position next year.
Former St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown and ex-Broncos mentor Anthony Griffin shape as the front-runners after expressing desires to coach at NRL level again.
“(Stone’s sacking) something we’ve been considering for a number of weeks now,” Gidley said.
“It’s clear the team has been underperforming for a number of months now which has been disappointing.
“We had a board discussion this morning and arrived at the position where we’d go our separate paths.
“We’ll now go through a process looking to appoint a new coach.”
madridjohn
Guest
Yeah, T-Rex is a bit like David Taylor. Full of promise, but maybe lacks aggression, focus or something. Obviously it would dramatically change his style of play, but imagine Issac Luke with T-Rex's size. Oh yeah, Gordon Tallis - job done. The new interchange rule for next year would also reduce T-Rex's utility. Not sure he plays many minutes.
madridjohn
Guest
You'll have to be more specific Zedman, are you a Red V man perhaps.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I for one wouldn't touch T-Rex with a ten dollar bill. Don't know what's gone wrong with him, all I know is that it's a lot.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Dang it. I already used my Simpsons quote on a Toovey article. Would've been better here.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I did hear the Knights were after Tony Williams. For the Knights sake I hope they wait till the new coach comes in, though for 300K (Dogs pay the remainder), it's probably a good deal as a bench player who can play long minutes if required.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
F$&k off!!!!!!! madridjohn that is.
gus
Guest
they should get penriths NSW cup coach the best coach not in the nrl labelled by phil gould
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
Time to get the Dad's Army unit within the Knights to move on. Bring up the next generation. Yes we will take a hit next year, but sometimes the only way to regrow a rotting forest is to burn the dead wood. Do what Penrith did a few years ago and clear out players who aren't contributing, past their use by date or are taking up to much of the salary cap. And make sure it's done the right way (not like Ricky Stuart did at the Eels). The Knights have some really promising talent coming up. In three or four years time, the Knights could have a world class spine - Jake Mamo at fullback, Jack Cogger and Brock Lamb in the halves (both Australian schoolboys) and Danny Levi at hooker. If these players are developed carefully and under the right eye, the Knights will have a solid base for the next 10 years.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I'm not sure the Titans are keen to pick up his $400K salary. If he was supplemented then I'm sure they would (Knights pay $200K, Titans $200K). They have two young halves, who may not quite be up to NRL level yet. So having someone like him to supplement Mortimer as well, on the right money would be a good decision. That said Roberts said he is going nowhere.
madridjohn
Guest
top of the list for players to be shown out the rear door must be Tyron Roberts. I hear the Titans are keen, what is with that? Do they have some contractual obligations to anchor the league at 16? He is a dead set liability in defence, prone to brain explosions and organises his team about as well as the Greek dept. of taxation. Newcastle deserve better, in fairness so do the Titans. Send him to Saint George.
The eye
Guest
definitely be sniffing around steve mcnamara..off contract from the roosters and national duties this year with good results..the club had its first ever premiership under an englishman..dont care much for the other options floating around..even working with bedsy if he can bring back pride to the guernsey in the last few games..a few players contracts need tearing up but stoney had to go..