The Newcastle Knights’ backroom reshuffle has taken another turn, with head of performance Matty Jay set to depart at the end of the season.
His exit comes less than two weeks after it was confirmed head coach Adam O’Brien would not be continuing beyond 2024.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Jay will join the Parramatta Eels once the campaign concludes, leaving the Knights searching for his successor as they prepare for a fresh start under new leadership.
MORE: Everything you need to know about the new Saudi-backed Rugby 360 competition
From teaching to top-level performance
Jay arrived in the Hunter in 2022, bringing with him experience from the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, Wests Tigers and the New Zealand Kiwis. Alongside his rugby league career, he worked as a PDHPE teacher, a role he says shaped his approach to helping young athletes reach their potential.
Reflecting on his time with the Kiwis under Michael Maguire, Jay once said: “It was an amazing opportunity to work with great players and the best of the best. It was really good to see how they go about their business and understand what it takes to be elite. I got to lead the performance of a team of great athletes, working with great staff towards a common goal.”
Newcastle’s off-field rebuild is still in motion, with decisions yet to be made on who will step into Jay’s role as the club continues to reshape its future.