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'It's ridiculous': Furious Adam O'Brien threatens mass changes after Knights' horror collapse

Emily Patterson
Emily Patterson

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Knights coach Adam O'Brien took a swipe at his players, threatening to consider reserve grade options following Newcastle's 24-20 loss to Gold Coast on Friday night.

O'Brien was visibly frustrated during the second half and in the aftermath of the meltdown, giving his side a spray after they coughed up a 20-0 first half lead.

Newcastle have now lost six of their past seven games.

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Adam O'Brien punches his desk in frustration.  Fox League

Having led 20-6 at half time, the Knights made eight errors and held onto only 34 per cent of possession in the second half.

O'Brien said his error-riddled backs needed to take responsibility.

"We completed 55 per cent in the second half. It's ridiculous," he told media.

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"No doubt, some of the fundamentals, certain individuals need to hold themselves to account because it's not about being outlandish with the ball.

"The errors are coming from out wide. The outside backs are making all the errors and it's costing our middle a bit.

"There's enough evidence there to suggest that if we just get it out of our game, there's some pretty good footy there."

Knights players react to a Titans try.

Knights players react to a Titans try. Scott Gardiner via Getty Images

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O'Brien also acknowledged that some of the blame fell on him, too.

"I'll put my hand up. I've got to get it out of us," he said.

"At the end of the day, the buck stops with me ... I have to find the answer."

Asked if he would be making wholesale changes to the side ahead of the Knights' clash with the Eels next Friday, O'Brien admitted it was a possibility.

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"I don't know how many options we have in some of the areas," he said.

"First thing I'll do is go home and watch it and look at the part that I played in it and how I can help the ones that are there before I go executing them now.

"If there are better options, then we have the guys playing in NSW Cup tomorrow.

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"If there's a better option there, I'm at the point now I may need to [make a change]."

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