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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

Newcastle Knights and high-performance manager Hayden Knowles part company

NEWCASTLE'S high-performance manager Hayden Knowles is understood to have parted company the Knights, effective immediately, in the aftermath of the David Klemmer controversy.

Klemmer and Knowles had a very public falling-out after the former Test forward refused to leave the field, and then verbally abused Knowles, during Newcastle's 24-10 loss to Canterbury on July 31.

After Knowles lodged a complaint with management, Klemmer was stood down for a game, banned from training with his teammates for several days and eventually sanctioned with a suspended fine.

Hayden Knowles has parted company with the Knights. Picture by Peter Lorimer

The incident is understood to have placed pressure on Knowles' relationship with the playing squad and coaching staff. A mutual agreement was reached to part ways immediately.

Knowles is one of the most experienced trainers in the NRL, having worked at a host of clubs and with the NSW Origin team.

He joined Newcastle at the start of this season after overseeing a premiership-winning campaign at Penrith.

The Knights said on Wednesday they were unable to comment. The Herald tried to contact Knowles but received no reply.

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