Knights' uncertainty: The Newcastle Knights have labelled reports regarding its head coach Adam O'Brien and NRL captain Kalyn Ponga as "speculation". Commercial media reports suggest Ponga has engaged an agent to explore overseas rugby union opportunities. The reports also claim O'Brien will be sacked at the end of the season. Knights player Bradman Best told the media on Tuesday that it'd be unfortunate to lose either of them, but rugby league is a business. Photo: Kalyn Ponga and Adam O'Brien at training. Image credit: ABC Newcastle/Bridget Murphy Man charged over alleged landslip break-in: A 28-year-old man has pleaded not guilty after being charged with breaking into an unoccupied New Lambton home. Looters have been targeting the area after 15 homes were vacated because of a landslip in May.Police arrested Blake Pitt in June near a home on Russell Road, allegedly seizing bank cards, electronics, watches and jewellery items. In court Mr Pitt pleaded not guilty to four charges, including break and enter and carrying a cutting weapon. He remains on bail and will front court again in August. Fate of The People’s Blockade discussions: The proposed use of community land by Rising Tide for its annual anti-coal protest will be discussed at a meeting next month. Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has called an extraordinary meeting of council on August 12 to consider the proposal. The group has applied for a licence to use Hamilton North's Richardson Park from November 25 until December 2 and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. Last year 170 people were arrested during the protest for allegedly defying directions not to enter Newcastle Harbour. Port Stephens Council abandons net zero: Port Stephens councillors have voted to suspend council’s net zero targets for at least five years. Councillor Mark Watson moved the motion at a meeting on July 8, arguing climate targets are too costly and council should prioritise roads and infrastructure. The vote passed 5-4. A rescission motion has been filed, and the issue will be debated at next week’s meeting. Maitland-to-Cessnock train? A passenger train route from Maitland to Cessnock may be a step closer to becoming a reality. Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison has recommended the Cessnock City Council ask Transport for New South Wales to acquire the disused rail line, which previously serviced coal trains. A public campaign has been urging the government to get a passenger service operational by 2028. A furry friend joins Newcastle Court: Sunny the labrador has been officially sworn in as "Court Dog" at Newcastle’s Family Law Court where she’s expected to lighten the experiences of vulnerable witnesses and children and help them feel more comfortable while navigating the court process. Boogaard returning: Former Newcastle Jets defender Nigel Boogaard will rejoin the club as general manager of football. With a playing career spanning more than 16 seasons, he'll step into a leadership role managing the A-League men's and women's teams. Boogaard will also take charge of the club's academy and pre-academy programs. He'll begin his posting in August. |