Knights Coach Expresses Regret After Press Conference Ahead of Dolphins Clash

Knights’ head coach Adam O’Brien expressed his regrets to the media regarding his conduct during a press conference on Wednesday, which followed the revelation of Dylan Brown’s contract with Newcastle.

O’Brien and team captain Kalyn Ponga addressed the media after their 26-12 victory over the Dolphins, adopting a markedly different tone compared to the previous media session.

Although the club has yet to make an official announcement regarding Brown’s signing, the Eels star stated earlier in the week that he had inked a deal with the Knights for “a substantial amount,” prompting numerous inquiries directed at O’Brien prior to the Dolphins match.

However, the coach deflected questions about the Eels five-eighth, indicating his focus was solely on the upcoming game.

Following the win, O’Brien sought to clarify his earlier remarks, apologising to the media for his approach before the match.

“I understand I might have come across as evasive about Dylan Brown, but my main priority yesterday was to keep the focus on the game ahead with the players just 24 hours away from playing,” he stated.

“I sincerely apologise if any media felt slighted. I don’t intend to make your roles more difficult—reporting on newsworthy events is your job, and I completely understand that.

“What may have seemed disrespectful actually stemmed from a place of respect. I wanted to honour the 10-day cooling-off period and respect Parramatta’s position.

“The last thing they would want during this time is for me to comment on how we plan to utilise their player.”

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“I know that the passionate red and blue army has every right to be informed… they would be understandably disappointed if I were discussing next year when we had an important game to focus on tonight. They want to win now, and so do we, and I’m committed to ensuring we give our all.

“The situation with Brown is still a year away. Our current team is poised to fight hard throughout the year.

“We aim to accomplish something significant with the squad we have (in the dressing room now). Our commitment is to this season.”

O’Brien also addressed circulating rumours regarding Ponga’s happiness at the club, amid talk of a possible switch to rugby union in New Zealand.

“The toughest challenge for Kalyn is the continuous speculation about his dissatisfaction here. His performances speak for themselves,” the coach remarked.

Ponga, who registered 100 running metres along with three try assists and four line-break assists in the match against the Dolphins, dismissed the gossip about his future while expressing enthusiasm for Brown’s impending arrival.

“How do I look out there? I appear happy, don’t I?… it’s just part of the game,” Ponga said.

“I’m getting accustomed to it [the speculation]. It’s not something that concerns me as it won’t enhance my performance on the field.”