Nathan Brown’s time as coach of the Knights will conclude at the end of the 2019 season, whether or not Newcastle make the eight.
This sucks, but all he was meant to do was rebuild the club and he did. Brown brought the club back from what appeared to be damage beyond repair.
When he came in 2016, he set it straight what he was going to do and despite all the struggles, he got there.
He’s turned us into a team that players want to be part of – and not just for the paycheque. He signed quality, added depth and, best of all, succeeded in his rebuilding mission.
If someone told me two years ago Mitchell Pearce and David Klemmer would play for the Knights in 2019, I wouldn’t have believed them.
As for who should take his role, I have three candidates:
1. Kristian Woolf
The assistant coach for the Knights’ focus has been to improve their defence.
Despite being thrashed multiple times this season, Newcastle have conceded only 418 points this season, compared with 607 in 2018. With 189 points the difference, they’ll need to conceded 63 points each in their next three games to beat that – fat chance!
2. Shaun Wane
The Wigan Warriors’ coach from 2011-2018, taking the club to five Super League grand finals and winning three.
He’s previously mentioned he would happily take on the challenge of coaching in the NRL – well, there’s an opening, so if he’s still ready for the challenge, come for it.
3. Danny Buderus
The local legend took over from Rick Stone in the final six games of 2015, sadly only winning twice.
He’s the most capped Knights player of all time but the least likely of the three to apply. Still, should he get the role, he’s got a better chance to succeed as the rebuilding days are over.
Last year, I shook Brown’s hand and thanked him for all he did. When the Knights taste success in the coming years, we’ll have him to thank, as he built the platform.
So Nathan Brown, from this Knights supporter and I hope many others, thank you very much for all you have done.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Hmmm... Wayne or Mary .. Yep , I'm serious
Roley
Guest
As in Bennett.... seriously ????
Illawarra Flame
Roar Rookie
Seemed to work with the Dragons in their semi v Broncos last year. As Shane Warne said a few years ago you only need a coach to get you from the hotel to the ground.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
I can't believe the Walker brothers are still getting mentioned for an NRL role! I think they are like the kebab shop you walk past at 3 in the morning. Smells great but better to just use your imagination about how nice they would be rather than actually try to eat one and shatter the illusion. And even that was 5 years ago.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Just let the players coach themselves, it'll be fine
John
Guest
Then the real question becomes who takes the QLD job, if the rumours of Green being in favour of the job, I'd say stick with Walters.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
He's probably just like Andrew Johns in that respect.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Don’t get me wrong, I totally get him in the assistant coach role for just wouldn’t like to see one of Newcastle’s favourite sons be turned on with expectations of instant success. I might be wrong but think he has a lot to offer if he isn’t burdened with unrealistic expectation
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Sorry 'Bedsy', Buderus not Buderas. I'd like to claim that was a typo but no one's thumbs are THAT big!
Emcie
Roar Guru
Why won't anyone give Walters a shot??? Seriously, I'm begging you!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Frak that rumour... Dammit.. Oh, well, we'll still have Wayne. Anyway, you might be dreaming.. it's a looong way away and Mary might not make it... (hoping). we might need someone before 2021...
Bunney
Roar Rookie
Has he really succeeded in his rebuilding mission? I'd be shocked if they lose to the Titans in round 24, but they could easily lose to both the Tigers and Panthers (both away) and finish ~11th again. Last, last, 11th, 11th - job well done Mr Brown...? Sorry, I think you've set the bar a little low
kk
Roar Pro
Just read where Kevin advised the Newcastle terms were not acceptable to him.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
You probably need two coaches Shaun Wane and Shane Warne .
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Sorry DPS, rumour has it that he's at the Bulldogs from 2021. ;)
PGNEWC
Roar Rookie
Yep I think Tooves might be soured over a certain 1997 event. Fitzgibbon was the front runner but it is reported he is saying thanks but no thanks -- Pity He would have been a good fit as we are still leaking in defence. Jason Ryles from Melbourne and Adam O'Brien the other East assistant coachn are the front runners They are thinking of Anthony Griffin as well and maybe the Walker brothers -- but they are longer shots. We need a Hard Bastard not a mate for Newie to reach its full potential
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Leave Flanagan. We want him in '21 or Wayne back.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Tooves and The Walker Bros, yes! The rest No! Tom G's valid concerns notwithstanding I would also favour Danny Buderas to do the job or at the very least in an assistant coaching role.
kk
Roar Pro
Shane Flanagan is the perfect coach for the Knights, BUT is under a ban without a ceiling. Danny, great bloke, but may need more experience to handle a club job. There are direct flights return between Brisbane and Newcastle. The fans will be keeping an eye out for a Kevin Walters despite him declaring he is happy as the Maroons coach plus extras from Foxtel.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Hook, Tooves, The Walker Bros, Sheens. There’s a decent short list, though I’d be shocked if they weren’t close to a replacement already. Unfortunately for them it seems like rookies from Easts.