Newcastle continue to ring in the changes to their NRL team following the resignation of experienced director of football Brian Canavan.

Just three months after appointing rookie Adam O’Brien as the new head coach, the Knights confirmed Canavan would be departing the club in the new year.

The former NRL administrator leaves after one year in the job.

“BC’s been great and has done everything I asked him to do 12 months ago,” Knights chief executive Phil Gardner told NRL.com on Wednesday.

The development came just hours after Newcastle announced a contract extension for highly-rated back-rower Mitch Barnett until the end of 2023.

Barnett, who has been named as the club’s best player twice in the last three seasons, was set to come off-contract at the end of next season.

Instead the 25-year-old will be a cornerstone of their forward pack for the long-term future, along with the likes of David Klemmer and Daniel Saifiti.

Barnett played 21 out of a possible 24 matches this year, missing the other three through suspension as the Knights eventually finished 11th.

With O’Brien yet to confirm a captain for 2020, the former Sydney Roosters assistant spoke glowingly about Barnett’s leadership qualities.

“Mitch represents the club in every aspect of the way we want to play. He’s tough, reliable and represents the region with pride,” O’Brien said.

“He’s a good example to our younger players for how to live like a Knight.

“He trains the way he plays. He adds aggression to our middle but is exceptional in his role on an edge as well.”

Barnett is arguably the biggest name due to come off the books at the end of next season, alongside Connor Watson, Tautau Moga and Jacob Saifiti.