Speculation a 'kick in the guts' for Knights coach
O'Brien's future has come under question across six NRL seasons at the Knights but the coach was nevertheless taken aback by reports this week that claimed management had all but decided he would be fired after 2025.
"It was a little bit of a shock on the Monday," he said.
"But since then I can honestly say, I haven't let it consume me one bit."
Injury-hit Newcastle have regressed from elimination finalists in 2024 to this season's worst attacking side by the numbers.
Reports have claimed only a late season resurgence will save O'Brien's job, and that rise would have to come without injured talismans Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Lucas and Kalyn Ponga.
Ponga himself quashed rumours that he could be on his way out of the Hunter earlier this week.
Coach O'Brien understood pressure came with the territory of being an NRL coach, but said it had been affecting those close to him.
"You're put in a position where you understand that there's going to be pressure. A lot rides on winning footy games," he said.
"It's not ideal for your loved ones and your family, and friends. It affects them.
"I wouldn't be human if you probably get a little bit sick of being kicked in the guts.
"But at the end of the day, (worrying) is not going to help the playing group. That is always at the forefront of my mind: Do my bit to help these boys win footy games."
O'Brien has taken the Knights to finals in four of his previous five seasons in charge, only missing out in 2022, for a 44.9 per cent win record all up.
But Newcastle only appeared a chance at the premiership as dark horses in 2023, when they reached the second week of the play-offs.
O'Brien would not confirm whether he had addressed the media reports with Knights management, only saying he still believed he was the right man to coach the team.
"I do," he said.
"Dealing in speculation from media outlets isn't helpful. I've just taken the approach that I'm the coach of the club right now, I haven't wavered in my commitment or my work ethic.
"It's a deep honour for me to be the coach of the club and I just present every day like that."
O'Brien is adamant the headlines will not distract the Newcastle playing group from Sunday's home game against the depleted Warriors.
"The team were quite clear that none of that will affect our performance on the weekend. We won't let it be a distraction," he said.
"We can't deal in speculation, all we can do is control our preparation for the game."
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