Newcastle great Matthew Johns has joined his brother Andrew in another scathing assessment of the embattled NRL club who are still reeling after the departure of coach Nathan Brown.
Club management has been under significant fire in recent days for the handling of the situation, Brown allowed to leave with their 2019 season still on the line.
Johns said the fault laid across the club, from management and Brown to the players.
“When something like this happens you think who shoulders all the blame? And I think everyone does,” Johns said in his Fox Sports podcast.
“Administration, coaches, Browny … everyone does.
“It’s been an absolute f***ing mess.
“Old boys’ day this week is good timing. Because I think some of the players need a reminder what the standards were.”
Club legend Andrew Johns had already been among the most vocal critics, demanding answers from the likes of Knights boss Phil Gardner after Brown announced his intention to quit last week before ultimately leaving the club on Tuesday.
Kristian Woolf was appointed caretaker coach.
Andrew Johns also claimed that Newcastle’s season had been sabotaged, with suggestions the Knights had gone behind Brown’s back to talk with likely long-term successor Adam O’Brien.
But in a letter to Newcastle fans, Gardner claimed his office that was unfair and said the club had to make change after Brown’s rebuild.
“Suggestions of sabotage from the front office while finals were at stake is ludicrous,” Gardner wrote.
“The information economy and transfer of favours that exists in rugby league is concerning and something beyond control.
“Yes, we are in a situation where we have a first-class roster but are lacking results.
“The outcomes this season have been unacceptable. At the start of the year, we set a goal to win most of our games at McDonald Jones Stadium and become a top defensive side.
“You want better performances and you deserve them. You are frustrated. We hear you.”
The Knights were believed to be meeting with O’Brien for next season as early as Wednesday.
Newcastle can still make the NRL finals if they win their last two games against the Gold Coast and Penrith, with other results going their way.
Gardner also defended captain Mitchell Pearce amid suggestions Brown’s immediate exit was player led following Saturday’s 46-4 loss to the Wests Tigers.
“I must stress Mitchell is not responsible for what is happening at the club and is hurting as much as anyone,” Gardner said.
“He is a winner and loves playing this game.
“He has been honest in his assessment of his own performances in recent weeks. There is little more you can ask from him as a leader.”