Adam O’Brien’s post-match comments following his side’s comeback win over Manly have been defended by former NRL captains Paul Gallen and Cameron Smith.
After the Knights fell behind 16-0 to the Sea Eagles, followers booed them off the bottom at half time earlier than they mounted a comeback to steal the win.
Within the post-match press convention, O’Brien stated the booing was “disappointing” and people doing it “do not know something about rugby league”.
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A day later O’Brien apologised, saying he was alerted to the response of the followers on the press convention and went into safety mode.
“I apologise unreservedly to our members and followers that I offended and I can perceive why they might be offended,” he stated.
Talking on 9’s 100% Footy, Gallen stated context is vital when judging O’Brien’s response and gamers wouldn’t have an issue with the coach’s feedback.
“I do not see an excessive amount of incorrect with this to be trustworthy with you. I perceive the Newcastle followers could be filthy. I do perceive that, and so they’re entitled to boo,” he stated.
“They pay their cash to go there, they’re allowed to boo. However when Adam O’Brien did not know concerning the booing, he get informed about it for the primary time in a press convention after his crew simply got here again, scored 20 odd factors within the second half, and received the sport for him.
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“I would somewhat my coach stick up for me than say, no, you understand they’re in all probability proper, we had been crap as soon as once more.
“I’d somewhat my coach go into bat for me like he did for his crew. I perceive the Newcastle followers being annoyed and on the finish of the day, they’re going to forgive him in the event that they maintain successful video games.
Knights coach Adam O’Brien. 9
“However what he did that evening, backing your gamers, sticking up in your gamers, I respect.”
Smith concurred.
“There’s unity inside that that footy membership and inside the footy crew when the coach comes out and backs his gamers,” the previous Storm captain stated.
“He stated these followers that booed the crew do not know rugby league and the strain that they are underneath and the hassle that they put in within the first half and he spoke about these issues.
“I do know Adam O’Brien fairly effectively from his time as as a coach on the Melbourne Storm. He is an emotional man, he is an emotional coach, he he loves his gamers and he cares for them.
“So he would not wish to see them handled that method. Whether or not they deserved it or not, that is not what we’re speaking about.”
