Adam O'Brien showed class in publicly owning mistake with Knights fans

The Advertiser

7 hours ago

MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6).
Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time.
There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd!
In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof.
Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference.
On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room".
O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year.
GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he?
You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off.
If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble.
STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship.
The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours.
RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why.
The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day.
I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation.
MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt.
MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6).
Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time.
There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd!
In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof.
Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference.
On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room".
O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year.
GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he?
You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off.
If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble.
STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship.
The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours.
RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why.
The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day.
I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation.
MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt.
MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6).
Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time.
There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd!
In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof.
Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference.
On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room".
O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year.
GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he?
You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off.
If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble.
STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship.
The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours.
RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why.
The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day.
I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation.
MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt.
MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6).
Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time.
There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd!
In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof.
Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference.
On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room".
O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year.
GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he?
You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off.
If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble.
STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship.
The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours.
RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why.
The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day.
I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation.
MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt.