Think it is unwise to replace Smith for the remainder of the season but if the team really doesnt have faith in him anymore then i guess there is no other choice. Still i think even though his decision to leave raises eyebrows (including mine) i think he's a good coach and rebuilt Newcastle post Johns and Buderus so i think he is the best man to lead them to the finals if the troops are behind him.
Brian Smith to coach the Chooks in 2010...Who'll coach the Knights?
- Thread starter RisingUp
- Start date
Google News
Newsbot
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2005
- Messages
- 80,212
- Reaction score
- 34
Heads up: coach not involved in secret meetings with Roosters boss ...
League HQHeads up: coach not involved in secret meetings with Roosters boss ...League HQDe Gois, a Wests Tigers junior before establishing himself with Cronulla, is in the first year of a three-year deal with the Knights. ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/the-secret-meeting-that-never-happened/2009/08/04/1249152590065.html&usg=AFQjCNFDlCE2miTL-ByGWG9V39ByUvDGwQ
Heads up: coach not involved in secret meetings with Roosters boss and Knights players
Brett Keeble
August 4, 2009 - 10:28AM
It would have been one of the biggest stories of the NRL season if only it was true.
Instead, like the concept behind the successful Seinfeld television series, it became a story about nothing but still worth telling.
An anonymous caller rang radio station KO-FM yesterday to say they spotted departing Knights coach Brian Smith with future employer Steve Noyce, the Sydney Roosters' CEO, at the Lambton home of Newcastle players Isaac De Gois and Shannon McDonnell on Saturday afternoon, about six hours before the Roosters shocked the Knights 30-18 at nearby EnergyAustralia Stadium.
De Gois, a Wests Tigers junior before establishing himself with Cronulla, is in the first year of a three-year deal with the Knights.
McDonnell, recruited mid-season from the Tigers, is unsigned beyond this year.
Not a good look for Smith, already under the pump given the team's recent form slump, if the story was true.
He would have had some explaining to do to players, restless Knights fans, and a board containing at least some directors who reportedly wanted him sacked on the spot when he confirmed a fortnight ago that he was off to the Roosters for the next four years.
Except that Smith wasn't there.
Noyce had driven McDonnell's parents, Warren and Marie, from Sydney's outer west to attend the game, and they stopped for a few minutes to see their son and pick up tickets.
Warren McDonnell is the Tigers' recruitment manager and is friends with Noyce, who was in charge at the Tigers for eight years before joining the Roosters this season.
When asked by The Herald yesterday, Smith, De Gois, Noyce, Shannon and Warren McDonnell all said Smith was not present.
"If someone's mistaken me for Shannon McDonnell's dad, who weighs 115 kilos and has a nickname of Sheep's Head, we're seriously moving into the area of being mischievous," Smith said.
Warren McDonnell said there was a glaring error in Smith's explanation.
"He's totally mistaken, and you can tell him I'll have him for that. It's not Sheep's Head, it's Pig's Head," McDonnell laughed.
"I take objection to being compared to Smithy because I'm a much better sort than him. I'm much younger and I've got a lot more going for me.
"Noycey rung me this morning and said, 'Listen to this,' and I said, 'What a load of crap.'
"Noycey and I obviously worked together at Wests Tigers, we were travelling up to watch the same game, we're both from the same area at Campbelltown, our wives are good friends, and we travelled up together.
"We called in to see my young bloke and pick up some tickets. Noycey's known my young bloke and Isaac since they were about 12, we were there probably five minutes, said hello and goodbye, then went and had a coffee and something to eat at Wests Leagues Club."
Noyce said: "That's exactly it. That's 100 per cent all of it. Brian certainly wasn't there.
"I don't think any of us look like Smithy, that's for sure."
Smith accepted there would be increased media and supporter scrutiny of him and the Knights after their successive losses to Manly and the Roosters, and the newsworthiness of his current team losing to his future team last Saturday.
But he said he and the players had a job to do each day, irrespective of previous results, and were doing their best to prepare for their next game against his former team, the Eels, at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.
"We all understand that. It probably is human nature but I reckon if you did a count on rumour versus truth, it would be 99 to one," Smith said.
League HQHeads up: coach not involved in secret meetings with Roosters boss ...League HQDe Gois, a Wests Tigers junior before establishing himself with Cronulla, is in the first year of a three-year deal with the Knights. ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/the-secret-meeting-that-never-happened/2009/08/04/1249152590065.html&usg=AFQjCNFDlCE2miTL-ByGWG9V39ByUvDGwQ
Heads up: coach not involved in secret meetings with Roosters boss and Knights players
Brett Keeble
August 4, 2009 - 10:28AM
It would have been one of the biggest stories of the NRL season if only it was true.
Instead, like the concept behind the successful Seinfeld television series, it became a story about nothing but still worth telling.
An anonymous caller rang radio station KO-FM yesterday to say they spotted departing Knights coach Brian Smith with future employer Steve Noyce, the Sydney Roosters' CEO, at the Lambton home of Newcastle players Isaac De Gois and Shannon McDonnell on Saturday afternoon, about six hours before the Roosters shocked the Knights 30-18 at nearby EnergyAustralia Stadium.
De Gois, a Wests Tigers junior before establishing himself with Cronulla, is in the first year of a three-year deal with the Knights.
McDonnell, recruited mid-season from the Tigers, is unsigned beyond this year.
Not a good look for Smith, already under the pump given the team's recent form slump, if the story was true.
He would have had some explaining to do to players, restless Knights fans, and a board containing at least some directors who reportedly wanted him sacked on the spot when he confirmed a fortnight ago that he was off to the Roosters for the next four years.
Except that Smith wasn't there.
Noyce had driven McDonnell's parents, Warren and Marie, from Sydney's outer west to attend the game, and they stopped for a few minutes to see their son and pick up tickets.
Warren McDonnell is the Tigers' recruitment manager and is friends with Noyce, who was in charge at the Tigers for eight years before joining the Roosters this season.
When asked by The Herald yesterday, Smith, De Gois, Noyce, Shannon and Warren McDonnell all said Smith was not present.
"If someone's mistaken me for Shannon McDonnell's dad, who weighs 115 kilos and has a nickname of Sheep's Head, we're seriously moving into the area of being mischievous," Smith said.
Warren McDonnell said there was a glaring error in Smith's explanation.
"He's totally mistaken, and you can tell him I'll have him for that. It's not Sheep's Head, it's Pig's Head," McDonnell laughed.
"I take objection to being compared to Smithy because I'm a much better sort than him. I'm much younger and I've got a lot more going for me.
"Noycey rung me this morning and said, 'Listen to this,' and I said, 'What a load of crap.'
"Noycey and I obviously worked together at Wests Tigers, we were travelling up to watch the same game, we're both from the same area at Campbelltown, our wives are good friends, and we travelled up together.
"We called in to see my young bloke and pick up some tickets. Noycey's known my young bloke and Isaac since they were about 12, we were there probably five minutes, said hello and goodbye, then went and had a coffee and something to eat at Wests Leagues Club."
Noyce said: "That's exactly it. That's 100 per cent all of it. Brian certainly wasn't there.
"I don't think any of us look like Smithy, that's for sure."
Smith accepted there would be increased media and supporter scrutiny of him and the Knights after their successive losses to Manly and the Roosters, and the newsworthiness of his current team losing to his future team last Saturday.
But he said he and the players had a job to do each day, irrespective of previous results, and were doing their best to prepare for their next game against his former team, the Eels, at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.
"We all understand that. It probably is human nature but I reckon if you did a count on rumour versus truth, it would be 99 to one," Smith said.
Last edited by a moderator:
Google News
Newsbot
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2005
- Messages
- 80,212
- Reaction score
- 34
Knights slip puts Stone in box seat
Sydney Morning HeraldKnights slip puts Stone in box seatSydney Morning Herald''I believe this is a case which is a unique situation,'' Hunt's manager David Riolo told Rugby League Week. ''Karmichael is completely changing professions ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/knights-slip-puts-stone-in-box-seat/2009/08/04/1249350548343.html&usg=AFQjCNE0cTTJBdCnU09WIM2GGHE9DoZyqA
Knights slip puts Stone in box seat
Brad Walter
August 5, 2009
KNIGHTS assistant coach Rick Stone is unlikely to be appointed to replace Brian Smith on a trial basis for the remainder season but he might be installed as his successor at tonight’s board meeting – possibly with immediate effect.
While a decision on the next Newcastle coach isn’t listed as an official agenda item, it is certain to be discussed when the nine Knights directors meet to consider the process for appointing Smith’s replacement.
There is even the possibility Stone will be rubber-stamped as the first home-grown coach in the Knights’ 21-year history without any other applicants being interviewed.
If so, the board will then have to decide whether to give the 42-year-old control of the team immediately or wait until Smith leaves at the end of the season to take up a four-year deal with Sydney Roosters.
The Knights board discussed the same scenario at a board meeting on July 20, and it was resolved that Smith would remain in charge for the rest of the season.
However, back-to-back losses to Manly and the Roosters since it was announced he was leaving the club with a year to run on his contract have left some directors wondering whether the board should revisit that situation.
Another loss at Parramatta on Sunday will result in Newcastle dropping out of the top eight if Wests Tigers beat the Roosters, unless Manly are thrashed by South Sydney on Saturday night.
The Herald reported yesterday that the Broncos’ fall from grace in the second half of the season under rookie coach Ivan Henjak had some directors considering putting Stone in charge for the remainder of the season so they could assess whether he was the right man for the job, without ruling out the likes of Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire, Sharks deputy Shane Flanagan or former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes.
But it is widely felt that would be unfair on Stone, who has the support of most of the club’s players and officials after returning to Newcastle from a successful coaching career in Queensland to work under Michael Hagan and then Smith for four years.
<EDITED>
Sydney Morning HeraldKnights slip puts Stone in box seatSydney Morning Herald''I believe this is a case which is a unique situation,'' Hunt's manager David Riolo told Rugby League Week. ''Karmichael is completely changing professions ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/knights-slip-puts-stone-in-box-seat/2009/08/04/1249350548343.html&usg=AFQjCNE0cTTJBdCnU09WIM2GGHE9DoZyqA
Knights slip puts Stone in box seat
Brad Walter
August 5, 2009
KNIGHTS assistant coach Rick Stone is unlikely to be appointed to replace Brian Smith on a trial basis for the remainder season but he might be installed as his successor at tonight’s board meeting – possibly with immediate effect.
While a decision on the next Newcastle coach isn’t listed as an official agenda item, it is certain to be discussed when the nine Knights directors meet to consider the process for appointing Smith’s replacement.
There is even the possibility Stone will be rubber-stamped as the first home-grown coach in the Knights’ 21-year history without any other applicants being interviewed.
If so, the board will then have to decide whether to give the 42-year-old control of the team immediately or wait until Smith leaves at the end of the season to take up a four-year deal with Sydney Roosters.
The Knights board discussed the same scenario at a board meeting on July 20, and it was resolved that Smith would remain in charge for the rest of the season.
However, back-to-back losses to Manly and the Roosters since it was announced he was leaving the club with a year to run on his contract have left some directors wondering whether the board should revisit that situation.
Another loss at Parramatta on Sunday will result in Newcastle dropping out of the top eight if Wests Tigers beat the Roosters, unless Manly are thrashed by South Sydney on Saturday night.
The Herald reported yesterday that the Broncos’ fall from grace in the second half of the season under rookie coach Ivan Henjak had some directors considering putting Stone in charge for the remainder of the season so they could assess whether he was the right man for the job, without ruling out the likes of Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire, Sharks deputy Shane Flanagan or former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes.
But it is widely felt that would be unfair on Stone, who has the support of most of the club’s players and officials after returning to Newcastle from a successful coaching career in Queensland to work under Michael Hagan and then Smith for four years.
<EDITED>
Last edited by a moderator:
Google News
Newsbot
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2005
- Messages
- 80,212
- Reaction score
- 34
Betrayed by a kiss, claims rejected Tynan
Betrayed by a kiss, claims rejected TynanBrisbane TimesWHETHER a kiss on the cheek constitutes an iron-clad agreement could be a catalyst for more boardroom upheaval at the Cronulla Sharks. ...
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/league/betrayed-by-a-kiss-claims-rejected-tynan-20090806-ea7l.html&usg=AFQjCNGgQHMQNu6QcSSIqNPdwZl2APIDmw
Betrayed by a kiss, claims rejected Tynan
Glenn Jackson
August 6, 2009 - 12:09AM
<EDITED>
Also, the Newcastle board has deferred a decision on a replacement for Roosters-bound coach Brian Smith until its next meeting in September.
After a meeting last night, the directors opted against asking Smith to step aside immediately and installing assistant Rick Stone in a caretaker role. Stone is favourite to take charge next season, although the Knights are also expected to consider Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire, Sharks assistant Shane Flanagan and former NRL coaches Steve Folkes and Graham Murray.
Betrayed by a kiss, claims rejected TynanBrisbane TimesWHETHER a kiss on the cheek constitutes an iron-clad agreement could be a catalyst for more boardroom upheaval at the Cronulla Sharks. ...
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/league/betrayed-by-a-kiss-claims-rejected-tynan-20090806-ea7l.html&usg=AFQjCNGgQHMQNu6QcSSIqNPdwZl2APIDmw
Betrayed by a kiss, claims rejected Tynan
Glenn Jackson
August 6, 2009 - 12:09AM
<EDITED>
Also, the Newcastle board has deferred a decision on a replacement for Roosters-bound coach Brian Smith until its next meeting in September.
After a meeting last night, the directors opted against asking Smith to step aside immediately and installing assistant Rick Stone in a caretaker role. Stone is favourite to take charge next season, although the Knights are also expected to consider Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire, Sharks assistant Shane Flanagan and former NRL coaches Steve Folkes and Graham Murray.
Last edited by a moderator:
Google News
Newsbot
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2005
- Messages
- 80,212
- Reaction score
- 34
Kearney missing from list
League HQKearney missing from listLeague HQ... Manly and Kiwis coach Graham Lowe, Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant Shane Flanagan and Kearney's fellow Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire. ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/kearney-missing-from-list/2009/08/07/1249350685202.html&usg=AFQjCNFU1oCYmUAqgBYuCqsKxATJQimIuQ
Kearney missing from list
Brett Keeble
August 8, 2009
WORLD Cup-winning New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney's name is missing from the list of candidates to succeed Brian Smith in charge of the Newcastle Knights next season.
Although his name has come up in media speculation since news of Smith's impending departure to the Roosters broke three weeks ago, Kearney was not one of the 12 applicants considered at the club's board meeting on Wednesday night.
The Herald understands a short list of six was compiled at that meeting, and Knights assistant coach Rick Stone remains at the top as firm favourite.
The other five leading contenders are believed to be premiership-winning former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes, journeyman Graham Murray, former Manly and Kiwis coach Graham Lowe, Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant Shane Flanagan and Kearney's fellow Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire.
Knights chief executive Steve Burraston would not comment on the identity of those on the shortlist but said he had begun compiling dossiers on each of them to present at the next board meeting scheduled for September 2.
There remains a remote possibility directors will consider someone not on the shortlist but Burraston said he did not anticipate any more applications.
''We think everyone knows the job is on the market, and we're quite happy with the quality of those who have made applications,'' Burraston said yesterday. ''We've got some very strong coaches that have put their name forward, so from this point on, we're just putting together what they've done and how they suit our club and how they could take our club forward.
''From there, there will be a recommendation to the board, and they can decide whether they want to appoint someone or proceed with interviews.''
Burraston said he would continue his research in earnest next week.
''We're just checking the records of all the applicants, and when we've got all that together, we'll forward something to the board and see where they want to go with it,'' he said. ''But as we've said all along, we're in no hurry because our roster is set for next season and we're not going to change our coaching staff until the end of the season.
''The person coming in doesn't have to look for new players or move players on, they're going to inherit a roster and go forward from November when we start pre-season training.
''As long as we've made a decision during September, it won't be a problem. The next board meeting has been put back a week [to September 2] so it will be some time in September that we make a decision.''
Stone declined to comment when asked about the process, preferring to concentrate on his duties helping prepare the team for tomorrow's game against the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Smith said he did not believe another week of speculation surrounding the coaching position would affect the players.
''Nothing. Zero. They're a lot smarter than you think,'' Smith said.
Asked if a win would ease any perceived pressure on him or the team, he said: ''It's got nothing to do with any of that.
''Our guys have just got to get their heads around the things that we need to do out there for each other in training, which they've done really well this week, and they need to carry it into the game now.
''We need to be ready for a big challenge because the team we're playing are in really good form. That's what we've done the last two weeks [against Manly and the Roosters].
''We've played against two teams that have played right up there at their very best levels, and we're anticipating Parra will be like that, and that's what we want … You go to someone else's place, big crowd, them playing in good form, and if you perform well there, you're back and you get a lot of confidence out of it, so it couldn't be any better, really.''
The Knights and Hunter Venues Authority are no closer to settling their dispute over the club's ongoing licence agreement to use EnergyAustralia Stadium.
High Court judge Michael McHugh was to have presided over arbitration for several days from July 14 but that was postponed. Burraston and Hunter Venues counterpart Mark Zundans are still trying to agree on new dates.
League HQKearney missing from listLeague HQ... Manly and Kiwis coach Graham Lowe, Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant Shane Flanagan and Kearney's fellow Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire. ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/kearney-missing-from-list/2009/08/07/1249350685202.html&usg=AFQjCNFU1oCYmUAqgBYuCqsKxATJQimIuQ
Kearney missing from list
Brett Keeble
August 8, 2009
WORLD Cup-winning New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney's name is missing from the list of candidates to succeed Brian Smith in charge of the Newcastle Knights next season.
Although his name has come up in media speculation since news of Smith's impending departure to the Roosters broke three weeks ago, Kearney was not one of the 12 applicants considered at the club's board meeting on Wednesday night.
The Herald understands a short list of six was compiled at that meeting, and Knights assistant coach Rick Stone remains at the top as firm favourite.
The other five leading contenders are believed to be premiership-winning former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes, journeyman Graham Murray, former Manly and Kiwis coach Graham Lowe, Cronulla and NSW Origin assistant Shane Flanagan and Kearney's fellow Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire.
Knights chief executive Steve Burraston would not comment on the identity of those on the shortlist but said he had begun compiling dossiers on each of them to present at the next board meeting scheduled for September 2.
There remains a remote possibility directors will consider someone not on the shortlist but Burraston said he did not anticipate any more applications.
''We think everyone knows the job is on the market, and we're quite happy with the quality of those who have made applications,'' Burraston said yesterday. ''We've got some very strong coaches that have put their name forward, so from this point on, we're just putting together what they've done and how they suit our club and how they could take our club forward.
''From there, there will be a recommendation to the board, and they can decide whether they want to appoint someone or proceed with interviews.''
Burraston said he would continue his research in earnest next week.
''We're just checking the records of all the applicants, and when we've got all that together, we'll forward something to the board and see where they want to go with it,'' he said. ''But as we've said all along, we're in no hurry because our roster is set for next season and we're not going to change our coaching staff until the end of the season.
''The person coming in doesn't have to look for new players or move players on, they're going to inherit a roster and go forward from November when we start pre-season training.
''As long as we've made a decision during September, it won't be a problem. The next board meeting has been put back a week [to September 2] so it will be some time in September that we make a decision.''
Stone declined to comment when asked about the process, preferring to concentrate on his duties helping prepare the team for tomorrow's game against the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Smith said he did not believe another week of speculation surrounding the coaching position would affect the players.
''Nothing. Zero. They're a lot smarter than you think,'' Smith said.
Asked if a win would ease any perceived pressure on him or the team, he said: ''It's got nothing to do with any of that.
''Our guys have just got to get their heads around the things that we need to do out there for each other in training, which they've done really well this week, and they need to carry it into the game now.
''We need to be ready for a big challenge because the team we're playing are in really good form. That's what we've done the last two weeks [against Manly and the Roosters].
''We've played against two teams that have played right up there at their very best levels, and we're anticipating Parra will be like that, and that's what we want … You go to someone else's place, big crowd, them playing in good form, and if you perform well there, you're back and you get a lot of confidence out of it, so it couldn't be any better, really.''
The Knights and Hunter Venues Authority are no closer to settling their dispute over the club's ongoing licence agreement to use EnergyAustralia Stadium.
High Court judge Michael McHugh was to have presided over arbitration for several days from July 14 but that was postponed. Burraston and Hunter Venues counterpart Mark Zundans are still trying to agree on new dates.
Last edited by a moderator:
Google News
Newsbot
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2005
- Messages
- 80,212
- Reaction score
- 34
New day dawns for Knights
New day dawns for KnightsLeague HQThe former NSW origin half-back, who returned from injury last weekend with a strong performance against Cronulla, is battling a niggling hamstring problem. ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/new-day-dawns-for-knights/2009/08/15/1249756482342.html&usg=AFQjCNEbOwiFNBTn3UvA-Q9qKSgxtfSWGw
New day dawns for Knights
Stathi Paxinos With AAP
August 16, 2009
IF ANY team could rally against adversity it would be Newcastle, Melbourne Storm back-rower Ryan Hoffman said yesterday after the Knights confirmed coach Brian Smith was being replaced ahead of the teams' round-23 clash tomorrow night.
Smith, who last month signed a four-year deal to take over the Sydney Roosters from next year, resigned after being told that the Knights' board had handed his assistant, Rick Stone, the top job to the end of 2011.
Stone's task of trying to revive the Knights' once-promising season gets off to what looks a daunting start at EnergyAustralia Stadium when they take on the Storm, a team that had been mired in an even bigger controversy last week concerning superstar Greg Inglis.
Hoffman, who has recovered from a virus that caused him to miss training earlier in the week, when he was isolated from the team, said the fourth-placed Storm was wary of the effect the coaching drama would have on the Knights, whom Melbourne just managed to beat 18-14 in the final minutes in round 17.
''They're a tough footy team. They probably don't have the superstars that everyone (talks about),'' Hoffman said. ''They've got their great players like (Jarrod) Mullen, (Kurt) Gidley and Steve Simpson - they've got the talent there but they've got a lot of workers too, like Chris Houston and Zeb Taia, who have been playing really well for them and are probably the form forwards of the competition.
''They're a toiling team and that's what you expect from a team from Newcastle. That's what Newcastle has built their reputation on, being a team that works hard and really toils throughout a game. We really enjoy those sort of contests. That's what makes us look forward to a game.''
Meanwhile, Knights chief executive Steve Burraston said the board had decided ''it was in the best interest of the club to give Rick Stone the reins now''. Newcastle has lost its past three games and dropped out of the top eight since the announcement of Smith's defection.
Burraston said Smith agreed with the decision, telling him it was Stone's time to shine.
''Brian felt if he stayed around it may have only dragged negative comments and publicity,'' Burraston said. ''So he felt it was in the best interest of the club and the team for him to step aside. He agreed with what the board was thinking … it was a mutual agreement rather than a sacking.''
Smith met with his players before their morning training session at EnergyAustralia Stadium yesterday and told them Stone would be their new coach. Stone has been with the Knights since 2006, when he was Michael Hagan's assistant, and becomes the club's first Newcastle-born and -bred National Rugby League coach.
Stone said he was confident the Knights would rally tomorrow.
''To be fair, we've been beaten thoroughly in our last three performances. I'm confident after working with the players (yesterday) we'll get a reaction,'' Stone said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane is likely to gamble on the fitness of Peter Wallace against Penrith this afternoon after coach Ivan Henjak conceded the half-back was being nursed through to game day, a practice that could continue for the rest of the season.
The former NSW origin half-back, who returned from injury last weekend with a strong performance against Cronulla, is battling a niggling hamstring problem. Youngster Ben Hunt ran with the side at training yesterday.
New day dawns for KnightsLeague HQThe former NSW origin half-back, who returned from injury last weekend with a strong performance against Cronulla, is battling a niggling hamstring problem. ...and more »
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/new-day-dawns-for-knights/2009/08/15/1249756482342.html&usg=AFQjCNEbOwiFNBTn3UvA-Q9qKSgxtfSWGw
New day dawns for Knights
Stathi Paxinos With AAP
August 16, 2009
IF ANY team could rally against adversity it would be Newcastle, Melbourne Storm back-rower Ryan Hoffman said yesterday after the Knights confirmed coach Brian Smith was being replaced ahead of the teams' round-23 clash tomorrow night.
Smith, who last month signed a four-year deal to take over the Sydney Roosters from next year, resigned after being told that the Knights' board had handed his assistant, Rick Stone, the top job to the end of 2011.
Stone's task of trying to revive the Knights' once-promising season gets off to what looks a daunting start at EnergyAustralia Stadium when they take on the Storm, a team that had been mired in an even bigger controversy last week concerning superstar Greg Inglis.
Hoffman, who has recovered from a virus that caused him to miss training earlier in the week, when he was isolated from the team, said the fourth-placed Storm was wary of the effect the coaching drama would have on the Knights, whom Melbourne just managed to beat 18-14 in the final minutes in round 17.
''They're a tough footy team. They probably don't have the superstars that everyone (talks about),'' Hoffman said. ''They've got their great players like (Jarrod) Mullen, (Kurt) Gidley and Steve Simpson - they've got the talent there but they've got a lot of workers too, like Chris Houston and Zeb Taia, who have been playing really well for them and are probably the form forwards of the competition.
''They're a toiling team and that's what you expect from a team from Newcastle. That's what Newcastle has built their reputation on, being a team that works hard and really toils throughout a game. We really enjoy those sort of contests. That's what makes us look forward to a game.''
Meanwhile, Knights chief executive Steve Burraston said the board had decided ''it was in the best interest of the club to give Rick Stone the reins now''. Newcastle has lost its past three games and dropped out of the top eight since the announcement of Smith's defection.
Burraston said Smith agreed with the decision, telling him it was Stone's time to shine.
''Brian felt if he stayed around it may have only dragged negative comments and publicity,'' Burraston said. ''So he felt it was in the best interest of the club and the team for him to step aside. He agreed with what the board was thinking … it was a mutual agreement rather than a sacking.''
Smith met with his players before their morning training session at EnergyAustralia Stadium yesterday and told them Stone would be their new coach. Stone has been with the Knights since 2006, when he was Michael Hagan's assistant, and becomes the club's first Newcastle-born and -bred National Rugby League coach.
Stone said he was confident the Knights would rally tomorrow.
''To be fair, we've been beaten thoroughly in our last three performances. I'm confident after working with the players (yesterday) we'll get a reaction,'' Stone said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane is likely to gamble on the fitness of Peter Wallace against Penrith this afternoon after coach Ivan Henjak conceded the half-back was being nursed through to game day, a practice that could continue for the rest of the season.
The former NSW origin half-back, who returned from injury last weekend with a strong performance against Cronulla, is battling a niggling hamstring problem. Youngster Ben Hunt ran with the side at training yesterday.
Last edited by a moderator:
Google News
Newsbot
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2005
- Messages
- 80,212
- Reaction score
- 34
Fox SportsFox Sports gives its unique take on all the action that was NRL ...Fox SportsYou have to like the Sharks and Roosters chances of mounting a late-season charge to avoid last place, don't you! Chris Armit's behind the back pass to ...
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25936701-23214,00.html&usg=AFQjCNEoPpP2H23HIbzRN128Sc73ZJJofw
Fox Sports gives its unique take on all the action that was NRL round 23
By Martin Gibbes, Cameron Storey & Martin Smith
August 17, 2009
<EDITED> Full article can be found here
What you won’t see this week:
Brian Smith receiving a ticker-tape parade in Newcastle. He ruthlessly sacked Kirk Reynoldson, forced favourite son Danny Buderus out of the club and then, just when he was ready to lead the Knights into a new era, he quit for the money and lattes in Bondi. No one can argue that Smith is a great coach, but his credibility has taken a serious hit in the last month. Needless to say the Knights faithful will be happy to see the back of him.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25936701-23214,00.html&usg=AFQjCNEoPpP2H23HIbzRN128Sc73ZJJofw
Fox Sports gives its unique take on all the action that was NRL round 23
By Martin Gibbes, Cameron Storey & Martin Smith
August 17, 2009
<EDITED> Full article can be found here
What you won’t see this week:
Brian Smith receiving a ticker-tape parade in Newcastle. He ruthlessly sacked Kirk Reynoldson, forced favourite son Danny Buderus out of the club and then, just when he was ready to lead the Knights into a new era, he quit for the money and lattes in Bondi. No one can argue that Smith is a great coach, but his credibility has taken a serious hit in the last month. Needless to say the Knights faithful will be happy to see the back of him.