Adam O’Brien is poised for a swift return to NRL coaching, with the former Newcastle Knights head coach set to join the Canterbury Bulldogs ahead of the 2026 season.
According to The Daily Telegraph, O’Brien will take charge of the club’s attacking setup as head of attack, a significant move for a Bulldogs side looking to fine-tune their offensive edge.
The Bulldogs earned plaudits in 2025 for their disciplined defensive shape but often struggled to turn pressure into points. Their new appointment signals a conscious effort to address that imbalance and build on a campaign that ended with a top-four finish before finals losses to the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers.
Fresh start for a seasoned coach
O’Brien had been in talks with the Manly Sea Eagles before opting to link up with Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo in Sydney’s west. His addition to the coaching group brings years of NRL nous, with prior assistant roles at both the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters before taking charge at Newcastle in 2020.
After his departure from the Knights, who collected the wooden spoon at the end of the 2025 season, O’Brien had been exploring new opportunities. His appointment now raises questions over the role of current attacking coach Jason Taylor, though the club has yet to confirm any structural reshuffle.
For O’Brien, the move marks more than just a return to coaching; it’s a chance to rebuild, refine, and help drive a Bulldogs side that looks increasingly ready to challenge at the very top.